Concerns of students being displaced escalate in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Construction delays are still continuing on Deakin’s Yard, a block of student flats that was originally expected to open way back in 2017. The area previously hosted the Jubilee Baths, but the site has remained empty and incomplete for years. Disputes with investors and a tangle of former owners’ administrative and legal mazes have slowed its advance.
In December 2015, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council sold the site to local developer Integritas. Their vision included a robust student housing development that would help meet the demand for the influx of students to their booming economy. However, delays in construction have led to equally significant setbacks. As it stands, Deakin’s Yard will not be complete for the beginning of the 2024/25 academic year.
The council is continuing to work with affected organizations to help those impacted by this setback. They’re aware of the dire situation and have opened a civil rights investigation. This step persists to highlight the urgency of addressing the continuing issues at Deakin’s Yard with regard to suspected building regulation violations.
Integritas confirmed that the launch of Deakin’s Yard has been temporarily delayed, stating, “We can confirm that the launch of Deakin’s Yard has been temporarily delayed, pending the receipt of a final certificate.” This has now added even more confusion to the mix, creating issues for prospective student residents who suddenly do not know what their housing situation will be.
After finding multiple serious and life threatening hazards in the building, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has intervened to protect the welfare of future tenants. This action follows on the heels of recently concluded negotiations. A spokesperson for the HSE emphasized, “The welfare of those due to occupy the building is our primary priority.” This representation expresses deep fears for Deakin’s Yard safety. It points to the yard’s willingness and ability to take these challenges on in a serious way.
As things currently are, Newcastle-under-Lyme’s students find themselves desperately scouting for other housing options as they get ready to head back to their next academic term. The borough council and Integritas are doing everything in their power to ensure these issues are taken care of. Doubt still hangs over those impacted by the frozen development.
