The building, formerly owned by the YMCA, was acquired by Location Living in June 2022. Previously used to accommodate students due to decreased demand for traditional hostel services, “The Bridge” has served this purpose for six years, housing up to 112 students. 

Externally, the building features six parking spaces and eleven cycle parking spaces, with an external refuse store and landscaping pockets. It is detached and accessible via publicly accessible footpaths. The upper levels form an ‘L’ shape, with two wings overlooking the River Wey and Bridge Street, meeting at the main stair and lift cores. 

The five-story building includes non-residential spaces on the lower two levels and student bedrooms on the upper three levels. Modernization plans by Location Living involve significant upgrades to the accommodation, including the addition of student kitchen facilities, studio rooms, and refurbishment of existing bedrooms. 

Proposed alterations include minor changes to external elevations for the addition of studio rooms, with new windows matching existing ones. Air intakes and extracts for proposed kitchens will be installed at lower ground level. 

Access arrangements remain unaffected, with a flat entrance, existing lift, and new accessible WC proposed at ground level. However, fire exit accessibility improvements will be made to accommodate wheelchair users, including the addition of a disabled refuge and call point.