McLaren Construction Midlands & North has completed the second and final phase of iQ Longwood Place, a landmark purpose-built student accommodation development close to the University of Warwick, delivering a transformational new student community. Developed by Topland Vintage Group and McLaren Property on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation (iQ), the completed scheme now provides 1,209 high-quality rooms across a vibrant campus environment designed to support student wellbeing, connectivity and community living. Its completion marks the culmination of a major regeneration project which has revitalised a previously underused business park, helping to strengthen the University of Warwick’s student accommodation offering. The first phase of the development, comprising 572 beds, completed in 2025 and the second phase involved delivering 637 beds. Replacing outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, the scheme involved the demolition of Avon House, Swift House and associated structures to make way for nine new residential blocks across the two phases. Located a 15-minute walk from the University of Warwick and a short journey from Coventry city centre, iQ Longwood Place features extensive amenity and social spaces including lounges, study areas, a gym, karaoke room, arcade and landscaped outdoor spaces. Achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating, sustainability and environmental stewardship were central to the delivery of the project. McLaren Construction worked closely with ecologists, Coventry City Council and local stakeholders throughout the build to protect and enhance the surrounding natural environment, including the protection of mature trees and installation of bird boxes. During the project, materials from the original buildings including bricks, stone and concrete were crushed and reused on site, significantly reducing construction waste and supporting the project’s sustainability objectives. Alongside its environmental achievements, the project delivered significant social value outcomes for the local community. Working in partnership with Coventry City Council, more than £19.5m was generated in social return on investment through local supply chain spend, apprenticeships, employment opportunities and education engagement initiatives across Coventry and Warwickshire. Completing iQ Longwood Place brings the total number of beds delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands & North to 2,870.  This includes all phases of iQ Longwood Place, alongside schemes in Nottingham and Manchester. Gary Cramp, Managing Director of McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “The completion of iQ Longwood Place is a hugely significant milestone for McLaren Construction, Coventry and the wider University of Warwick community. This development has transformed a former business park into a vibrant new student village and played an important role in re-energising the area. “From the outset, this project has been about far more than delivering high-quality accommodation. We’ve worked closely with the council and the local community, local supply chain partners and iQ throughout the scheme, while remaining committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment around the site. “Completing the second phase required exceptional collaboration across the entire project team. The finished development will leave a lasting legacy for students and the city of Coventry for years to come.” William Davies, Director of Asset Management at Topland Vintage, said, “The delivery of Topland Vintage’s development for iQ at Longwood Place marks the very successful completion of our long-term project to transform a redundant office scheme into a market leading student campus.  All should be very proud of what has been created, and it has been a pleasure to work with such an expert team.” George Basrawy, Head of Development for iQ, said, “We are delighted to add iQ Longwood Place to our portfolio, offering students a high-quality, campus-style living experience close to two leading universities. With phase two completing ahead of schedule, we can accommodate even more students in a location where demand continues to be strong. The number of students choosing to return for a second year in 2026/27 is a clear indication that the scheme is resonating with residents.  It was great to work with McLaren Construction, Topland Vintage and the wider Project team.” Claire Baxter, Senior Development Manager, McLaren Property, said: “We are extremely proud to mark the successful completion of this 1,209-bed student accommodation scheme, which represents a significant milestone for both our team and the wider community. From the outset, our ambition was to deliver a high-quality, sustainable and future-focused living environment that responds to the evolving needs of today’s students.  Achieving completion at this scale is a testament to the collaborative effort of our partners, consultants, and contractors, whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental throughout the project. We are confident this scheme will make a lasting positive impact, enhancing the local area and providing students with an exceptional place to live, learn and thrive.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major new chapter in Glasgow’s city centre regeneration has moved a step closer after plans for a 25-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower received planning approval, paving the way for the first phase of a £250m mixed-use development. The scheme forms part of the ambitious Charing Cross Gateway masterplan, which aims to transform a prominent gateway site into a vibrant new urban quarter featuring student accommodation, Grade A offices, residential homes, retail space and high-quality public realm. Developer CXG Glasgow has secured detailed planning consent for a 620-bed student accommodation building at Elmbank Gardens, located on the corner of Bath Street and Newton Street. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the development will create modern student living in one of Glasgow’s most accessible city centre locations, helping to address continued demand for high-quality accommodation close to the city’s universities. Enabling works are already underway, with demolition specialist Reigart Contracts currently clearing two former 1960s buildings from the site. The demolition programme is expected to be completed by August, preparing the site for the next stage of development. Construction of the student accommodation tower is anticipated to begin during 2027, with the completed development expected to welcome students in 2030. The approval represents the first significant milestone for the wider Charing Cross Gateway regeneration, which secured outline planning consent last year. Future phases will introduce Grade A office accommodation, private residential homes, retail and leisure uses, creating a diverse mixed-use destination that will reconnect an important part of Glasgow’s city centre. As well as delivering much-needed student accommodation, the wider masterplan is expected to generate substantial economic benefits through construction activity, long-term employment opportunities and increased investment in the surrounding area. Andrew Richardson, Managing Director of Development at ESR DevCo, described the approval as a major milestone for the project, saying it brings the development team significantly closer to transforming one of Glasgow’s most prominent gateway sites. He added that the investment would help support construction jobs while creating fresh momentum for regeneration across the city centre. Purpose-built student accommodation continues to attract strong investor interest across the UK, with university cities such as Glasgow experiencing sustained demand driven by growing student populations and a continued shortage of modern, professionally managed accommodation. Developments such as Charing Cross Gateway are increasingly combining student housing with commercial, residential and public realm improvements to create well-connected, sustainable urban communities. With demolition progressing and construction scheduled to commence in 2027, the Charing Cross Gateway project represents one of Glasgow’s most significant city centre regeneration schemes and is set to play an important role in shaping the city’s future skyline and economic growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Purpose-built student accommodation developer Fusion Group has awarded two major construction contracts worth a combined £176m to CField Construction, reinforcing continued investment in the UK’s growing student housing sector. The projects, located in London and Glasgow, will deliver a total of 1,269 student bedrooms alongside affordable housing and significant public realm improvements, with both developments scheduled to welcome students for the 2028 academic year. The largest of the two schemes is a £97m mixed-use development in Wood Green, north London. The project will provide 636 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds alongside 79 affordable homes, creating a vibrant mixed-use community supported by new public spaces and enhanced public realm. Meanwhile, in Glasgow, CField has commenced construction of a £79m development on Sauchiehall Street that will deliver a further 633 student bedrooms. The project also incorporates the sensitive restoration of a 1930s Art Deco façade and the reinstatement of the historic Wellington Arcade, helping to preserve an important piece of the city’s architectural heritage while supporting the wider regeneration of the surrounding area. Together, the two developments demonstrate the continued strength of the UK PBSA market, where demand for high-quality student accommodation remains robust across major university cities. Developers are increasingly seeking to deliver schemes that combine modern student living with placemaking, heritage restoration and wider community benefits. The appointments further strengthen the long-standing relationship between Fusion Group and CField Construction, with both businesses continuing to expand their presence within the living sector. Originally established in County Cork, CField has been operating successfully across the UK for approximately 15 years, building a strong reputation for delivering complex residential, education and mixed-use developments. Gavin O’Flaherty, Managing Director of CField Construction, described the twin contract awards as an important milestone for the business and a reflection of the company’s proven expertise within the living sector. André Ferdinand, Projects Director at Fusion Group, said both the Wood Green and Sauchiehall Street developments are central to the company’s long-term growth strategy. He added that CField’s delivery capability and collaborative approach will play a key role in ensuring both schemes are completed in time for the 2028 student intake. As demand for purpose-built student accommodation continues to outstrip supply in many university cities, developments of this scale are expected to remain a significant driver of investment across the UK’s residential and regeneration sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landmark Properties has secured approval for revised plans to transform Durham’s Prince Bishops Place into a major mixed-use destination centred around a significant new purpose-built student accommodation development. The scheme represents a major milestone in the long-awaited regeneration of the city centre shopping complex and will see the introduction of 504 student bedrooms alongside enhanced retail, leisure and public spaces. The approval follows amendments to an earlier consented scheme, replacing a proposed hotel with additional student accommodation to better reflect current market demand. Located in the heart of Durham, Prince Bishops Place has faced increasing challenges in recent years as retail habits have evolved and footfall patterns have changed. The redevelopment aims to reposition the site as a vibrant mixed-use destination that combines modern student living with improved commercial opportunities and public realm enhancements. The project is being brought forward through a partnership between Landmark Properties, Citrus Group and Galliard Homes. Landmark, one of the largest student housing developers and operators in the United States, exchanged contracts on the site earlier this year as part of its growing UK expansion strategy. The company currently manages more than 74,000 student beds globally and has identified Durham as a key market where demand for high-quality accommodation continues to outstrip supply. Beyond the student accommodation element, the development will deliver upgraded retail and leisure units, improved pedestrian routes through the site and a new public square overlooking the River Wear. New connections will also open up views towards Durham’s historic cathedral and castle, enhancing the city centre environment and strengthening links across the area. The existing multi-storey car park will be retained as part of the plans. Developers believe the project will play an important role in revitalising Durham’s city centre economy, creating a more diverse and sustainable destination that supports local businesses, attracts investment and meets the growing needs of the city’s student population. With approval now secured, the scheme moves a significant step closer to delivery and marks another major investment in Durham’s ongoing urban regeneration programme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans have been submitted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Manchester that would deliver more than 1,000 student beds and create a striking new gateway to one of the UK’s most ambitious innovation districts. RG Real Estate has lodged proposals to redevelop the existing Charles Street Car Park site with a large-scale student living scheme featuring a landmark 38-storey tower. The project forms part of the wider regeneration of the former UMIST campus, which is being transformed into the £1.7bn Sister innovation district by Bruntwood SciTech and The University of Manchester. The proposed development would provide 1,041 student bedrooms across a combination of studios and cluster apartments, helping to meet growing demand for high-quality student accommodation in the city. Designed by Hodder + Partners, the scheme would comprise buildings of eight, 10 and 38 storeys located on the corner of Charles Street and Sackville Street, adjacent to the railway viaduct within what is known as Plot H of the Sister masterplan. The plans follow an extensive public consultation process undertaken last year and have been shaped by a multidisciplinary project team that includes Buro Happold, Deloitte, Layer Studio, Roscoe, Tyler Grange and Civic Heritage, among others. In addition to delivering modern student accommodation, the proposals include more than an acre of new public realm, improved pedestrian connections and active ground-floor uses designed to enhance the surrounding neighbourhood and support the wider regeneration vision. RG Real Estate Development Director Darren Simmons said the scheme would transform an underutilised site into a vibrant new destination, while helping to reactivate Altrincham Street and strengthen connections across the evolving innovation district. The development is strategically positioned close to major transport links and within easy reach of Manchester’s universities, making it well suited to support the city’s growing student population. The proposals also sit alongside a number of other significant residential developments planned for the area, underlining Manchester’s continued emergence as one of the UK’s most active student accommodation and urban regeneration markets. If approved, the scheme will become another major addition to the city’s expanding skyline and a key component of the wider transformation of the former UMIST campus into a world-class hub for science, technology and innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Arc & Co. has successfully structured a debt and equity facility for a landmark 135-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Bristol. The complex transaction brings together Downing LLP as senior debt provider and Hame Capital as equity partner in a strategic joint venture with the sponsor Colico Living. The finalised financing package includes a circa £26 million senior development facility from Downing alongside a preferred equity investment from Hame Capital. Structured at approximately 68% LTGDV and 77% LTC, the facility is designed to support the full delivery of the scheme through to completion and stabilisation. This project marks a major achievement for Arc & Co., representing the culmination of more than a year of dedicated advisory work led by Senior Broker Corey Dennis. To bring this scheme to fruition, the team navigated a particularly selective capital markets environment and overcame a series of significant hurdles. This intensive process included managing intricate valuation challenges and facilitating a total redraft of the planning application to address amenity space requirements before successfully securing approval. This case represents a significant period of intensive advisory work and highlights the value of deep industry relationships when a borrower’s capital is heavily concentrated in the planning phase. Led by Senior Broker Corey Dennis, the team navigated a selective market to engineer a 100% funding solution via a £26m senior facility and preferred equity. Demonstrating a holistic commitment to client comfort that went well beyond the standard remit, the team aligned these terms with the 43-month build plan. In doing so, Arc & Co. solved a major developer pain point and provided the sponsor with essential long-term security. Corey Dennis, Senior Broker at Arc & Co., commented: “This was a complex, multifaceted transaction given the scale of the project and the extensive planning process. We carefully structured the funding package to ensure the scheme was fully capitalised while supporting the sponsor’s overall strategy. It was about finding that specific alignment between Downing and Hame Capital that truly recognised the project’s long-term value.” “We are seeing a market shift where developers are moving towards asset stabilisation over disposals, due to the slower sales market, which naturally impacts liquidity. In this environment, success depends on having a partner who understands the nuances of the entire capital stack and which senior and equity partners to approach. That depth of specialist knowledge played an important role in delivering the transaction.” Will Powell, Investment Director at Downing, commented: “We were delighted to close this significant funding package for an experienced and capable sponsor delivering a well-designed student scheme in central Bristol. The financing came with a number of complexities concurrent with this type of deal, and we are looking forward to seeing the project progress over the coming months. A big thanks to all involved.” The development is ideally positioned to serve Bristol’s two leading universities and is now in a position to progress through Gateway 2, with construction slated to begin in early 2027. Key contributions to the transaction included Scott Harvey at Hame Capital and Will Powell at Downing LLP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals