Vacant Town Centre Offices Could Be Converted Into Flats

Vacant offices in the heart of the Isle of Wight’s county town could be converted into six new flats.

IPM SIPP Administration has proposed a conversion of 39-40 Quay Street in Newport to provide four one-bedroom apartments and two with two-bedrooms.

The application also includes a partial removal of a modern rear extension at first floor level.

“The demand for office accommodation has been in decline for several years; town centres no longer provide the hustle and bustle of business and with home working remaining common, buildings and their uses need to evolve, adapt and change to meet the demands of the population or risk being left permanently vacant,” a statement from Planning & Development Hub says.

“The conversion of redundant office space results in increased vitality to the town centre by bringing people back into the town to live. Quay Street is a mixed residential and commercial area.

“The accommodation provides one and two bedroom units together with amenity space which is rare in central Newport, alongside space for bicycle parking, meeting the local and national sustainability objectives.”

County Hall’s public consultation on proposal 25/01010/FUL finishes on September 15 and a decision is due on October 9.