Member Article

Plans to turn former TFM Radio building into 30-bed student flats

Plans have been submitted to convert a former radio station into student flats.

Radio House in Thornaby, Stockton, has been out of use since TFM controversially deserted their Teesside HQ in a merger with Newcastle-based Metro Radio last year.

But student accommodation firm Kexgill have submitted a proposal to Stockton Council to convert the three-storey office and studio building, originally built in 1994, into 30-bed student pads.

Kexgill, with offices in Middlesbrough and Stockton, caters for more than 2,700 students and is one of the largest privately-owned student accommodation companies in the UK.

The firm’s application to Stockton Council includes the construction of a single-storey lobby and disabled facilities as well as the addition of a second student entrance on the south east of the existing building.

The application, which is currently with Stockton Council and are pending consideration, adds: “The existing building is extremely distinctive in its use of decorative brickwork comprising alternating string and soldier courses.

“The proposed extensions and alteration will be constructed to match the existing brickwork.”

Bauer Media’s decision to close its Teesside HQ last April provoked protests, and a campaign was launched to persuade them to change their minds, but to no avail.

TFM, formerly known as Radio Tees, is still on air but operates from Metro Radio’s Newcastle offices in Pilgrim Street, with 22 members of staff making the switch from Thornaby.

Despite complaints, media watchdog Ofcom said the move did not breach broadcasting regulations.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .