DEVELOPERS behind a £12 million scheme to create halls of residence for more than 250 students in the centre of York say they hope it will kickstart the regeneration of the area.

Proposals for the accommodation blocks for York St John University students on a derelict site next to the multi-storey car park in Carmelite Street have been handed in to City of York Council, with planners expected to make a decision in April.

The land sits next to the Hungate development site, where progress on a £150 million housing scheme has been affected by the turbulent economic climate, and a planning statement submitted to the council for the student housing project by architects Crease Strickland Parkins said it would “stimulate regeneration momentum in this area”.

The plans for the halls of residence, which would house 258 students, have been drawn up by York-based S Harrison Developments Ltd, which was behind similar schemes at Gray’s Wharf and Navigation Road.

The company says the project would create new construction jobs, as well as helping to ease student housing problems in other parts of the city and avoiding family homes being turned into houses in multiple occupation. The firm said there had previously been no interest in developing the site for office use.

“The site is currently unsightly and adversely affects the quality of the surrounding environment,” said Crease Strickland Parkins’ statement.

“It is also underused and is not contributing to the vitality and viability of the city. This location is appropriate for this kind of residential accommodation as it places residents close to the city centre and their place of study, which reduces the need for travel and provides economic stimulus by supporting and reinforcing the city centre economy.

“These residents will also extend the period of activity in this part of the city and contribute to the safety and security of the Hungate quarter in the evenings, helping to maintain a vibrant city centre.”

The architects also said the design of the car-free halls of residence – which, if approved, are scheduled to open in autumn 2013 – would knit together with future developments on the Hungate site.

The proposals were put out for public viewing last month ahead of the planning application being submitted.