A unique plan to convert disused offices into 50 flats will help Aylesbury ‘come alive again’, according to developers behind the scheme.
The complete revamp of the site above the Friars Square Shopping Centre was last week given the green light by Aylesbury Vale District Council.
Russell Legg, owner of Leybourne Homes, which submitted the application on behalf of Friars Square asset managers Grosvenor, said he was ‘over the moon’ at getting permission.
Five penthouses will be built on the roof of the existing building, offering ‘spectacular’ views of the area , and there will also be some social renting and shared ownerships. Mr Legg said the scheme will have something for everyone and believes the penthouse idea will be popular.
He said: “It’s time for Aylesbury to aim a bit higher. Why shouldn’t penthouses work in Aylesbury?” The redevelopment includes 40 undercover car parking spaces being made available to residents, but some people have raised concerns that with 50 apartments to be on site there will not be enough room for everyone’s cars. But Mr Legg said previous experience shows not everyone who moves in will have a car.
He said: “There will be people who live there that are going to be local that will live, work and play in Aylesbury.
“If somebody wants a space and there isn’t one left then they won’t buy a flat there, they will go elsewhere.”
Work is expected to begin in the spring, with the first occupants moving in towards the end of 2014.