Historic former Burnley pub transformed into luxury student accommodation

The former Duke of York, in the Duke Bar area of Burnley, has been converted by developers offering luxury student accommodation, the first in the town to be registered with the national Code and offering UNIPOL standards.

However, in the meantime, Heritage Commercial Finance, the developers and landlords have decided that over the coming weeks during the coronavirus lockdown, they will make the rooms available on a rent free basis to NHS staff and emergency service employees who are unable for any reason to live at home

The Duke of York also has a large ground floor retail space which is currently offered to let. The landlords are prepared to also offer this space to any community group who are supporting the area in this time of crisis for storage, distribution or offices.

Andrew Taylor, speaking on behalf of Heritage Commercial Finance, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer the accommodation to the NHS and emergency services, we are so grateful to each and every one of them for what they are doing, if we can give them some comfort in these tough times we are only too happy to help.

"We have had five tenants move in to date, with some very sad reason from ill or isolating parents to one theatre worker who was made homeless without notice from his previous lodgings owing to his landlord's fears over Covid 19 risk, we were able to move him in within 48 hours and give him the security of a roof over his head whilst he is on the front line and there for us all saving lives.

"We would also like to thank David Foxcroft and Billie of Burnley Tesco for arranging fantastic welcome packs provided for the tenants including basic provisions, snacks, cleaning products, and shower products as a thank you for all they are doing."

The Duke of York Apartments comprises eight apartments and duplexes of two and three bed units which have been designed and fitted to offer an alternative to the traditional Halls of Residence accommodation offered.

Enveloped within the Historic Grade II listed building which dates to 1888, the Duke of York formerly a hotel and public house, is perhaps best remembered as being at the centre of the Burnley Disturbances in 2001.

The pub, which closed several years ago, and had until recently been slowly decaying and falling into a state of disrepair following multiple break-ins, cannabis grows and thefts, will now hopefully have a brighter future.

Working closely with Burnley Borough Council and the Listed Buildings Team, the developers have given it a new life, and it now forms once again an iconic historic landmark on the island at the junction of Colne and Briercliffe Road at one of Burnley town centre's main feeder routes.

Internally the interiors have been designed to make the best of the triangular shaped building and retain a wealth of period features from leaded, stained and painted glass windows in traditional sash windows which have been extensively restored by skilled carpenters and broken glazing repaired as necessary.

The Duke has a fully compliant modern fire system in place with smoke alarms wired to the main electrical system, a high spec visual door entry system allows the residents to see who is at the door before opening it, and each flat even has a first aid kit therein, and broadband with a full tech support service provided.