PLANS to convert a former city centre hotel into student flats have been given the go-ahead by councillors.
Developers behind the project at the old Portland Hotel, in Paragon Street, say facelift work will start immediately after the decision.
A marketing campaign to attract students to the 126-bed complex will also begin soon.
The £1m refurbishment comes just over a year after the former hotel owners went into administration citing a downturn in trade.
Andy Wallace, contract advisor for the Key Homes development group, said: "We are very pleased at the committee's decision.
"We have put a lot of effort into getting it this far and to get this kind of support from the council is very satisfying.
"The hard work really starts now because we have to get the place ready for students as soon as we possibly can.
"We will be having talks with the University of Hull and other education providers with a view to letting the rooms."
Chris Phillips, managing director of development partners Galbraith Property Services, said: "This will not only bring an empty building back to life but also bring new life to that part of the city centre.
"As well as the building itself, there are two ground floor commercial units that have been closed since the hotel closed.
"We are actively looking at reopening both of those units."
The new facility will also feature communal living areas and a shared kitchen on what used to be the hotel's first floor bar, restaurant and function room.
There are also plans for an 24-hour indoor gym and fitness centre for students living there.
Speaking at yesterday's Hull City Council planning committee, Councillor Rilba Jones said the facilities on offer to students would be second to none.
After visiting the building with fellow committee members before considering the application Cllr Jones, who represents the city centre, said: "I was very impressed by the high standard of the rooms, the amount of storage space, the lighting and the actual size of the rooms."
Councillor Alan Clark admitted he had initial reservations about the conversion scheme, describing it as "the biggest house in multiple occupation in the city - a 126-bed house with a concierge".
However, he also supported the change of use to student accommodation after claiming that plans for a major new facility for cyclists in nearby Paragon Station would address the absence of any parking provision.
"Because of the new cycle halt at the station and because of the university is on an excellent bus route, there will be a reduced need for vehicles," he said.
Councillor Tom McVie said it was an "acceptable use".
