DEVELOPERS are now free to convert former Bournemouth town centre shopping space into student flats.

Planning officers at BCP Council have given the green light to developer Tenland Bournemouth to convert parts of the first and second floor of St Peters Quarter in Old Christchurch Road into student halls.

Back in February, plans were unveiled for 32 new student rooms to be formed out of 850 sq m of retail space.

BCP Council case officer Piotr Kulik said: "There are approximately 20,000 students within Bournemouth hence there is a strong demand for the provision of a quality student accommodation."

The majority of the studios would have en-suite facilities, with each benefiting from a window and a space for bicycle parking.

Mr Kulik added: "The applicant confirmed that the existing space subject of the current application is not currently vacant and forms part of TKMaxx front of house and stock room."

Meanwhile, the entire building - which includes Chatime cafe, TK MAxx, Mary Shelley and Superdry - was recently put on the market.

According to estate agent Lewis and Partners, the entire building has an income of £526k per year through multi let agreements. 

Offers in excess of £4.935million will be considered.