Newnham College have submitted plans that, if approved, will see work begin on a new block of student bedrooms in 2016 as the college seeks to replace its existing outdated accommodation.

The current porters’ lodge and the existing Strachey accommodation block will be demolished in order to make way for the new development, which will also include a new porters’ lodge, conference facilities, a café, an office suite and supervision rooms.

Additional cycle parking space and improved gym facilities are also part of the plans that will see 86 outdated student rooms replaced by 90 en-suite rooms.

“The proposed developments will ensure that the long-term needs of the students are met with an exciting new environment that is sensitively integrated with the College’s existing historic buildings and gardens,” said Jenny Raine, Bursar of Newnham College.

The planning application submitted to Cambridge City Council follows a consultation with the city council and local residents as well as Cambridge Design, the Conservation Panel and Historical England.

Newnham College sits within the West Cambridge Conservation Area and contains a number of listed buildings, although the current porters’ lodge is not among those.

In 2014, Walters and Cohen Architects were appointed to design the new accommodation. The practice have previously worked on projects for Kew Gardens, the Bank of England and the Horniman Museum, claiming to have an “innovative and contemporary portfolio”.