Detailed plans for the site at 1-5 Baltic Street and 7-27 Constitution Street are being worked on by Michael Laird Architects for a future planning application for a mixed-use development.

The development will be centred on postgraduate student accommodation alongside a digital co-working space, housing and shops.

The developer has said that an allocation will be made in the development for social housing. Sundial Properties said that whilst the proposed other uses for the site carry no statutory requirement to provide affordable housing, the developer believes that it would be an important part of the mix.

Sundial wrote within the exhibition boards for the consultation: “Rather than tuck this use away, we have sought to put it in the most prominent location of the site, adjacent to the Category A Listed Corn Exchange. 18 units are proposed, comprising four 3 bed apartments, six 2 bed apartments and eight one-bedroom apartments.”

Sundial has also emphasised the social good aspect of their scheme which will gift 18 new build apartments adjacent to the A-listed Corn Exchange to a local charity. The company has also promised to support local entrepreneurs by preventing national retail chains from moving into the four shop units.

These elements of the development would be congregated around a large central courtyard with listed buildings retained and enhanced through a clear divide between old and new, sensitive infill and considered use of materials.

Stimulated by ongoing tram works along Constitution Street, the commercial units will be aligned to front the major thoroughfare, set behind a retained and restored ground floor façade as a base for new-build flats above.

Sundial Properties has invited public comment on the proposals for the development.