ONE of Hull's most iconic buildings could be set to become student accommodation in the heart of the city.
Plans to transform the Portland Hotel in Paragon Street into the 126-bed facility have been submitted to Hull City Council.
The hotel had been earmarked to potentially become the city's first five-star hotel but lack of trade meant it fell into administration last year.
Now, the plans to retain the building and use it as student accommodation have been welcomed by business leaders in the city.
Jim Harris, chairman of Hull Bid, said although a business has been lost, it is a potentially fruitful step forward for the city.
"For me, it is a great use of the Portland Hotel," he said.
"The building has always been an iconic building in the city but it began to struggle as a top-class hotel.
"The idea of changing it into student accommodation is something that has always been on the agenda and I am pleased that this has now moved forward.
"The last thing we wanted to do is see such a wonderful building go to waste."
Lincoln Group Limited, which owned the Portland Hotel, entered administration in January last year.
At the time, the group and its subsidiaries said the move was a result of poor trading, due largely to increased competition and the economic climate.
Dr Ian Kelly, chief executive at Hull Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are very relaxed about mixing the town and gown together, and it is a good thing for Hull, but we do hope that hotel capacity can be improved in time for the city of culture."
Last year, Hull was awarded the coveted Purple Flag status, which saw the city become one of 36 towns and cities in the UK to be recognised by the Association of Town Centre Management for the quality and diversity of its evening economy.
Mr Harris, who is also centre manager at St Stephen's shopping centre, believes the influx of students will breathe new life into the city centre.
"There's nothing better for a city than a good ambience and good atmosphere but you only get that if you have people in and around the centre," he said. "Having students living in the centre can only be a good thing.
"For the students, it is a fantastic place to be and an opportunity to live in the heart of a vibrant city.
"For businesses, it will bring more footfall and therefore more trade so it is a beneficial move for everyone.
"I'm sure the accommodation will be very popular with students and those who get rooms there will be very lucky."
Kathryn Shillito, Hull Bid city centre manager, also welcomed the plans.
"City living is all about being able to walk to places and be part of that environment," she said.
"The café culture in the city is on the rise and having all of that on your doorstep is something that is very appealing to students."
The application will now go before the council's planning committee for consideration.
