The proposal, put forward by Franklin Rios, will see the school operate on three floors of 14 Hamilton Square in the city.
Short-term student accommodation for those taking intensive courses at the language school will be located on the top two floors of the five-storey Grade 1 listed building.
According to the planning statement, drawn up by MPD Built Environment Consultants Ltd, this project “will be [breathe] breathe new life into the locality and return a vacant historic building to productive use, which can only be beneficial for the vitality of the conservation area and the long-term upkeep of the listed building.
Indeed, the site is currently vacant, having been used for the last time as a lawyer’s office.
On the quality of accommodation that would be provided, the statement added: “Given the scale of the building, the interior layout offered to potential future occupants would be good, with generously sized rooms and large windows allowing views sufficient and natural light.
Students will not have a private outdoor space for socializing, but the statement argues that given the short-term nature of the accommodation, the public outdoor space in Hamilton Square itself is sufficient.
The planning firm also noted that Hamilton Square is within walking distance of the waterfront, where students could congregate.
Addressing the parking situation, the company said: “Paid and posted street parking is available on the surrounding streets and the property is close to bus stops and the Hamilton Square train station.
“There is also private paid parking at the rear of the property.”
Regarding the operation of the language school, the press release adds: “The school will operate during the day and in the early evening with the possibility of classes on Saturday mornings depending on demand.”