Planning chiefs are studying a proposal to replace a student housing complex with a new facility containing twice as many rooms.
Barsad Investments has submitted an application relating to the 50-year-old St Margaret's House, a four-storey building with 100 bed spaces.
If planning permission is granted it will be demolished to make way for a five-storey complex boasting almost 200 beds.
The Hulse Road scheme aims to ease Southampton's shortage of PBSA - Purpose Built Student Accommodation.
It could also free up family-sized homes in the city by cutting the number of people living in HMOs - Houses of Multiple Occupation.
A planning statement that forms part of Barsad's application to the city council describes St Margaret's House as a "tired, utilitarian building".
It says the proposed development will maximise the provision and quality of student accommodation on the site and "significantly enhance" the character of Hulse Road.
As well as boasting 198 bed spaces the scheme will offer a raft of facilities including a gym, a cinema, and social spaces on each floor.
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Improvements to existing grassed areas in the grounds will offer high-quality places where students can relax and socialise.
"The development will make a valuable contribution to the supply of student housing in Southampton and will support the growth of the higher education institutions in the city."
The statement says Southampton has a student population of more than 40,000, making the delivery of sufficient housing a priority.
"The development will deliver purpose-built accommodation in a highly sustainable location, within close proximity to a wide range of services, facilities, and public transport links.
"This will make a valuable contribution to the significant need for PBSA in Southampton.
"The design of the building will be sympathetic to the local context and streetscape whilst also enhancing the setting of the nearby conservation area.
"The development will be largely hidden behind trees and will replace the current undistinguished building with a characterful building of high quality.
"Overall, it will significantly improve the quality and sustainability of the student housing and will contribute to fulfilling the increasing demand for student homes within Southampton."
READ MORE: Ex-Bank of England in Southampton being demolished to make way for student flats
St Margaret's House was refurbished in 2018 and extended in 2021, when it was equipped with a new entrance.
But a design and access statement that accompanies Barsad's application to redevelop the site says the building dates from the 1970s and is of poor quality.
It adds that the proposed development will deliver a building of "enduring quality".
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