Uxbridge based construction firm Galliford Try has been appointed to Dandara Group’s £40 million private rental sector apartment project on the Arena Central site in central Birmingham.

The contractor will build 323 apartments for private rent across two new 17 and 22-storey blocks.

The development is part of a wider regeneration of the area and will sit next to the Alpha Tower, adjacent to Holliday Street.

Galliford Try is already on site at Arena Central, constructing the 220,000 sq ft office building for bank HSBC, and the new contract builds on its presence in Birmingham, with construction also progressing at the new Conservatoire for Birmingham City University at Millennium Point.

Managing director for Galliford Try Building West Midlands, Simon Burton, commented: “It is great news that we have been able to conclude a contract with Dandara for this prestigious new development.

“The PRS sector is seen by many in the industry to have potential for real growth, and we are delighted to have our strong track record of providing high-quality housing recognised in this way.”

Sean O’Connor, Dandara’s project director, added: “This project will create numerous local employment opportunities and we look forward to working with Galliford Try to deliver these 323 high quality PRS apartments in the city centre.”

The Birmingham project is part of an estimated £400 million investment by Dandara in PRS, which includes also includes schemes in Leeds and Manchester.

Last month Galliford Try won a £44 million contract for a retirement village in Bedford.

The new £44m village will feature 230 mixed-tenure apartments, alongside a range of communal facilities, including a village hall, library and IT suite, bar and bistro, fitness gym, hairdressing and beauty salon and shop.

The development marks the tenth occasion that Partnerships has worked with the charity on a retirement village, with new projects at Longbridge, Stoke Gifford and High Wycombe currently on site.