THE site of a derelict engineering firm could be transformed into a huge student living complex.

Residents and neighbourhood groups went to Longley Park Golf Club yesterday to see the proposed plans for the site on King’s Bridge Road – and gave it the thumbs up. The site has been used as a car park in recent times.

The site used to be home to Roberts Casting Ltd but the building was knocked down six years ago and has remained unoccupied since.

The Watkin Jones Group bought the land and gained planning permission to transform the site in to a residential property.

With the help of architectural firm K4, they have created a site plan which includes 653 en-suite bedrooms, a large central courtyard and a number of group spaces.

The firm has also vowed to make a link with the river and create a public walkway.

K4 architect Malwina Gruszecka said: “We aim to incorporate features that fit in with the area and the older buildings. We have been using the old mill buildings and other sites as inspiration.

“We will be using sandstone and some metal cladding to ensure it is in keeping.

“As an architectural company, we feel that this site offers really beautiful views especially with its close proximity to the river, the whole architectural context is amazing.

“Although the river floods, we have been working closely with the environmental agency to ensure that there will be no flooding.”

Michael Towler, of Primrose Hill, lives just around the corner from the proposed site. He said: “I am impressed by the plans which will get a lot of students coming in to the town.

He joked: “Not only will it be nice for them but it means they can all be together and throw their parties in there instead of making noise everywhere else.

“But in all seriousness I live near students and they are some of the quietest neighbours I have had. I think go for it, it is a great idea and by the look of it, it opens up access to the river too.”