Developers say a huge accommodation block next to the intu Victoria Centre for more than 400 students could be completed next year.

A vast project called York Place is planned at the site of a former nine-storey office building which was demolished four years ago and known as York House.

The developers behind the scheme said it could be completed by August 2020.

Alex Newbold, project manager at the Cassidy Group, said: "A planning application has been submitted for a 422-bed student accommodation development located on York Street, in Nottingham city centre.

"The scheme provides students with all-round convenience, excellent transport links and a short walk to Nottingham Trent University.

"The development consists of 422 beds, with a mix of 367 cluster beds and 55 studios.

"The scheme will provide students with a gym, bike store and multiple breakout areas including an outdoor courtyard area.

"Subject to the granting of planning, this student development will be due for completion in August 2020.

"This scheme is a joint venture between Cassidy Group and one of our partners Investin PLC."

The scheme was originally designed to provide 346 beds in total, but this has since increased.

Business leaders previously said it was vital the city met the growing demand for student accommodation.

The former York House
The former York House

Brendan Moffett, chief executive of Marketing NG, said: “Nottingham is home to two world-class universities that attract thousands of students from around the world.

"As the universities continue to grow and become increasingly successful, it is vital that the city meets demand for student accommodation."

Scott Knowles, chief executive at the East Midlands Chamber, said: "There appears to be a strong demand at the moment for student accommodation in Nottingham, which is hardly surprising given that the student economy is worth over £63m a year to the city."

And Jeff Allen, chairman of the Nottingham Business Improvement District, added: "It is important that the core of the city does not become a student campus so student accommodation on the periphery of the city centre is a good idea.

"Looking forward strategically, the city centre needs to attract full time residents that can make full use of the city’s diverse offering.”

The plans have been submitted to Nottingham City Council for consideration.

The York Place development forms part of a £215m Cassidy Group investment into a number of property developments across Nottinghamshire.

One of the projects includes a bid to create 150 new apartments at the site of a derelict Victorian warehouse in London Road which will be called Chainey Place.

The Cassidy Group has also been working on a huge development featuring 350 apartments behind the Hicking Building, called Saffron Court, nearby.