Student accommodation in Wrexham could become tourist rooms during summer

Rooms within a large student accommodation block in Wrexham could be rented out during the summer in a bid to provide extra tourist accommodation.

The Snowdon Hall development on Vicarage Hill in the city centre is currently subject to a planning condition which means only students can live there.

However, owners Student Roost are now seeking permission to let the building’s 156 en-suite bedrooms out to non-students between the start of June and end of August each year.

Consultants acting on behalf of the company said it would help to make the business more viable during the summer months, when most students return home.

The proposals coincide with a large reported spike in the number of international visitors to the area following Wrexham AFC’s takeover by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Speaking in March this year, Wrexham Council’s tourism manager Joe Bickerton said the increased interest was mostly due to the popularity of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ Disney+ documentary.

In a covering letter accompanying the planning application, representatives acting for Student Roost said: “It is important to recognise that there are a number of clear benefits associated with the proposed amendment, including additional economic activity generated for businesses in the immediate area and across the city due to increased availability of tourist accommodation.

“(There are also) opportunities to support the universities, city-wide events and a wide variety of corporate and other organisations through contracted block bookings for staff, delegates and visitors.

“The applicant intends to market the accommodation as being most appropriate for families, couples, and organisational group bookings and will actively deter bookings for large weekend-only groups such as stag and hen parties.

“Student Roost’s priority is to maintain a safe, secure and comfortable environment for all of its residents, so its reservation process will directly ensure any students remaining at the property during the summer period would not be affected by non-student guests.”

The company said it had successfully received approval for similar changes to another of its student accommodation developments in Birmingham.

It stressed that the main use of Snowdon Hall would still be for students staying during the academic year.

Arrangements for room check-ins, maintenance, waste storage, fire safety and security would remain unchanged, with staff available on-site 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile, guests will be encouraged to arrive at the property by public transport.

A decision will be made on the application by the local authority at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter