ACCOMMODATION PLAN UP FOR TALKS
The Hereford university project says it is ready for “serious discussions” over a major city centre redevelopment plan for student accommodation.
Hereford-based architects Hook Mason has put its plans for accommodation blocks in the Aubrey
Street and Berrington Street area on the internet video sharing website YouTube. Hook Mason is
acting for Sheffield based developers Provincial House (Sheffield) Ltd. Hook Mason and Provincial
House have yet to respond to requests for comment by the Hereford Times. But David Sheppard, coleader with the university project, said approaches made over the accommodation plan warranted
“serious discussion” as to its suitability within the overall NMITE (New Model in Technology &
Engineering) project. NMITE, which received support from government and leading universities last
month, is expected to see the first 300 students on its Hereford city centre campus by September
2017.
It will teach a technology and engineering curriculum that, in placing applied engineering innovation
at its core, will focus on the defence, security and cyber, agri-technology sectors. A related small and
medium focused enterprise-focused facility will operate at Skylon Park in Rotherwas.
Confirmation came with a list of likely NMITE locations including the Buttermarket, the old Odeon
cinema, Maylord shopping centre and the former Chadds building. From an initial intake of 300,
NMITE is expected to have 5,000 students living in accommodation located around the city.