Provider iQ Student Accommodation offers new benchmark for University of Warwick students at iQ Longwood Place. A landmark £100m student accommodation scheme adjacent to the University of Warwick has reached a major milestone, completing its first phase of 572 beds. Developed by Topland Group and McLaren Property, and delivered by McLaren Construction Midlands and North on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, one of the leading providers of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK, the scheme will provide a significant boost to the city’s student accommodation offer for the 2025/26 academic year. iQ Longwood Place will create a student living campus, offering 1,078 high-quality student bedrooms and 131 co-living rooms once phase two completes in spring 2026. The site boasts extensive community, retail, and leisure spaces just minutes from the University of Warwick campus, and is a 15-minute bus ride from Coventry city centre. It also features social spaces in every block including an arcade, lounge, karaoke room, a range of study spaces, a gym and landscaped outdoor social areas. Replacing outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, the development saw the demolition of Avon House, Swift House, and associated structures to make way for nine new residential blocks over the course of the two phases of construction. Designed to harmonise with the natural surroundings, the development incorporates high-specification landscape finishes, tree protection zones, and enhanced green spaces. Designed with sustainability at its core, the development has officially achieved a BREEAM Excellent rating. Environmental best practices were followed, including recycling demolition materials, sustainable waste management via the SmartWaste platform, and careful protection of nearby woodland and watercourses. Throughout construction, McLaren actively engaged with local businesses and residents and worked closely with Coventry City Council to provide on-site work placements and community updates. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “It’s been a pleasure to see iQ Longwood Place take shape with phase one now reaching completion. This is a transformative scheme for Coventry and the student population of the University of Warwick – not only in terms of quality accommodation but also through our investment in sustainability, landscaping, and community benefit. We’ve worked hard to deliver the project safely and to the highest quality standard, and it’s a credit to all involved with iQ Longwood Place. We are looking forward to finishing the remaining phase by next spring.” William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group, said: “iQ Longwood Place is the result of strong collaboration across the project team and stakeholders. We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a high-quality, purpose-built scheme that will support students and enhance the area for years to come.” Matt Loughlin, chief development officer for iQ Student Accommodation, said: “The completion of the first phase of iQ Longwood Place is a major milestone, delivering high-quality, community-focused student living for the upcoming academic year, just moments from the University of Warwick. We’re proud to offer a space that blends sustainability, comfort and vibrant social experiences. This achievement reflects the effort of everyone involved, and we’re excited to welcome students to their new home.” Bruce Ruddle, divisional managing director for McLaren Property, added: “We’re thrilled to see phase one of iQ Longwood Place fully realised. The finished phase one demonstrates the power of effective partnership combining McLaren Construction’s technical delivery with the vision shared by Topland Group, iQ and ourselves.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GMI Construction Group and Olympian Homes have marked the completion of Rialto House, a £50 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in York that delivers 275 high-quality student bedrooms and state-of-the-art amenities in a design-led environment. The four-storey scheme on Fishergate, developed by Olympian Homes, funded by Cain International and built by GMI, provides 80,000 sq. ft. of modern living space tailored to meet the city’s growing demand for student housing. Rialto House is just a ten-minute walk from the city centre and seven minute bus ride from the University of York. With a focus on student welfare, it features a comprehensive range of facilities including gym, yoga studio, games area, podcast studio, music room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, landscaped courtyards, and integrated cycle storage. In recognition of the site’s heritage, it also includes a bespoke in-house cinema, a nod to the former Rialto Cinema from which it takes its name. It is one of three PBSA schemes GMI is delivering in York, reinforcing its position as a key player in strengthening the city’s higher education offering and addressing a national shortage of student accommodation. Ed Weston, Regional Director for Yorkshire at GMI Construction Group, said: “Rialto House is a flagship scheme delivering excellence in student living while honouring the legacy of a much-loved York landmark. We’re delighted to have completed this project in partnership with Olympian Homes and are proud to be playing a key role in tackling the student accommodation shortfall through our growing portfolio of PBSA developments. I also hope this marks the start of a strong and long-lasting relationship with Olympian and we look forward to collaborating on future opportunities.” Mark Slatter, Chair of Olympian Homes, added: “With Rialto House, we set out to create something distinctive, delivering outstanding student living. Thanks to GMI and our funding partner Cain International, this scheme sets a new benchmark for purpose-built student accommodation in York. The result from GMI is outstanding, with a level of finish that stands among the highest we’ve been involved with.” The development stands on the former site of the Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, and the adjacent Mecca bingo hall. The cinema holds a special place in local memory, having hosted four performances by The Beatles in 1963, just months before their rise to global fame. Demolished in 2003 and used as a car park for many years, the Rialto site has been transformed into a new residential community that will welcome students from the autumn term onwards. Olympian exchanged contracts on the site in April 2021 and submitted a planning application in June 2021 to demolish the existing Mecca Bingo Hall. Works began in Q2 2022 after GMI secured the contract. Olympian and Cain International completed a funding agreement for the scheme, alongside a second PBSA scheme, in 2023. GMI delivered the project using a predominantly local supply chain, reflecting its commitment to regional growth and sustainability. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Staffordshire Campus Living, the joint venture partnership between the University of Staffordshire, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (HOCHTIEF) and investor Plenary, has celebrated topping out the new 21,000 sq ft student village hub at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Built by Willmott Dixon and designed by Corstorphine & Wright, the Village Hub has reached its highest point in construction. When complete it will include accessible and low energy study spaces, social and welfare facilities as well as student accommodation services over four levels. Work has also started on the residential phases of the development which includes 700 new build student bedrooms in cluster blocks and town houses, as well as the refurbishment of a further 300 bedrooms of existing student accommodation.  A new footbridge and boardwalk across the River Trent will link the student village to the University campus and the full project delivery is targeted for completion in time for the student intake in September 2026. HOCHTIEF was awarded the contract twelve months ago by the University of Staffordshire to design, build, finance and operate the student village and Willmott Dixon has made swift progress on delivery to date. At the topping out event a plaque was presented by Chris White, Construction Manager for Willmott Dixon to Professor Martin Jones, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Staffordshire.  Professor Jones said: “With sustainability and well-being at its heart, the Student Village will provide more than high-quality accommodation — it will create a vibrant campus community where students can connect, grow and achieve their best. It is incredibly exciting to see the project’s progress and we can’t wait to welcome students into the Student Village when it is completed next year.” Ian Prescott, managing director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK and Ireland added: “We are very proud to reach this first significant milestone just twelve months since being awarded the contract by the University of Staffordshire. We have developed a low energy and low carbon solution for the entire village, ensuring sustainability and carbon reduction are at the heart of the design, build and operation, in line with the University’s carbon neutral targets for 2030. We’re looking forward to seeing the Village Hub and student accommodation used and enjoyed by students next Autumn term.” Paul Crowe, CEO of Plenary Group said: “We are excited to be collaborating with the University and the other partners on our first UK project. I’ve seen first-hand the strong progress that has been made and look forward to seeing that good work continue as the project team works towards realising the University’s vision.” Dan Doyle, Operations Director from Willmott Dixon added: “Topping out of the Village Hub marks a proud milestone on a project that’s already creating a lasting legacy, not just for the University of Staffordshire, but for the wider community of Stoke-on-Trent. The Village Hub, and the wider Student Village development, are supporting local jobs, enriching lives, providing work experience opportunities for local young people and are ultimately strengthening connections between the University and the people of Stoke-on-Trent. We’re incredibly proud of the positive impact this project is already having, and will continue to have, for years to come.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London has approved more than 26,000 student bedrooms since 2021, according to new research from national planning and development consultancy Lichfields. A recent surge in planning approvals during 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 is providing cause for optimism after several years of under-delivery against the capital’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets. Under the Greater London Authority’s methodology, the PBSA rooms in the pipeline are equivalent in housing need terms to more than 10,500 conventional homes. While not directly an affordable housing total, Lichfields’ analysis shows a growing trend of new PBSA applications incorporating affordable housing provision. With student numbers rising, a constrained rental market and permissions for conventional housing at a ten-year low, PBSA has emerged as one of the few economically viable types of residential development currently coming forward. This growth offers an opportunity to ease pressure on the private rented sector and support London’s wider housing needs. Lichfields’ research also finds that the Greater London Authority’s broad policy support for PBSA has filtered down to borough level, with a flexible approach proving key to enabling schemes to progress. Although there is no set design-led planning framework for PBSA, most schemes follow similar patterns for space, amenity and layout, while preferred locations vary between developers and operators. This market-led approach is helping PBSA remain attractive to investors and providers. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “Purpose-built student accommodation plays a critical role in meeting housing need and supporting London’s global education offer. The research identifies a healthy pipeline of schemes with approval which should translate into deliveries. “Against the poor backdrop for conventional housing in London, the provision of PBSA not only ensures London remains a leading destination for higher education but it could help deliver more affordable homes. It could be a win-win situation for London.” The study concludes that maintaining the current momentum will require the next London Plan, due in 2027, to continue fostering this flexible approach and advocating for new PBSA. Jonathan Hoban added: “This is a real opportunity to bring forward the delivery of much-needed homes across the capital. By maintaining a flexible approach in the next London Plan and continuing to champion well-designed PBSA, we can ensure more schemes continue to come forward, helping to meet both student demand and the wider housing needs of London.” The full report is available at: https://lichfields.uk/content/insights/unlocking-london-s-student-housing-potential Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

An exciting new collaboration between one of the leading operators of student accommodation, Fresh, and British department store, John Lewis & Partners is taking the stress out of move-in weekend for student residents. As part of Fresh’s commitment to resident wellbeing, the collaboration is designed not only to ensure residents feel comfortable and supported from day one, but also features exclusive offers and practical support tailored to students’ needs. The partnership reflects Fresh’s ongoing investment in enhancing the student experience and is part of a wider programme of wellbeing-focused initiatives. Sam Scott, Managing Director of Fresh, explains: “Check-in weekend can feel stressful for many students but at Fresh we are providing more than just a home.  We want our residents to be welcomed into a community and feel valued from the day they move in. Our collaboration with John Lewis adds a greater level of enjoyment for all involved.  With fabulous pop-up shops in several of our Fresh locations, free lunches and parking we are confident we will be making the move-in experience less stressful, taking the pressure off our new residents and their parents and carers for a smooth experience.” The John Lewis & Partners pop-up shops will be available at selected Fresh properties as students move in, selling everything from power banks to duvets. Its stock is designed to ensure that students can access all forgotten essentials, no matter how big or small, to ensure check-in day is a seamless experience. The unique collaboration between Fresh and John Lewis & Partners will also see dedicated shopping lists available for students who simply don’t know where to start with their university packing. Created with Fresh properties in mind, the shopping lists take account of what students will already have in their rooms, as well as what they might need. Parents and carers are also supported via the collaboration, with vouchers available for discounted food and drinks and free parking at participating John Lewis & Partners stores during check-in weekend (time limits apply). The offer means adults can take a breather and give their youngsters a couple of hours to unpack and meet their fellow residents, before ensuring all is well and saying their goodbyes. The collaboration with John Lewis & Partners is the latest in a string of innovations implemented by Fresh to support students’ wellbeing. The company already delivers the best-in-class Be Wellbeing programme, supporting the evolution of vibrant communities where residents can thrive. The programme is an integral part of the Fresh experience, meaning every student is supported to build friendships and enjoy a sense of belonging. Regular events and activities take place throughout the year as part of the Be Wellbeing programme, from sushi-making classes and breakfast get-togethers to art therapy and puppy yoga. Students are also welcomed to a wide range of cultural and religious celebrations, including for Christmas, Lunar New Year, Holi Bhai Dooj, Eid, Ramadan and Hanukkah. Louise Julier, Business Partnerships Executive at John Lewis & Partners comments: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Fresh to deliver this unique new service to students in support of their wellbeing. A stress-free start to the university term supports young people to settle in more quickly and enjoy the experience, rather than the anxiety of forgotten essentials. It’s a weight off minds for parents and carers too, knowing their young people have everything they need to embrace their fledgling independence.” To find out more, visit www.thisisfresh.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Morgan Sindall Construction has officially begun renovation works on the Claycroft Residences at the University of Warwick, one of the largest accommodation complexes on the university’s main campus in Coventry. The extensive 17,000m² project will transform three individual accommodation blocks, which together provide 679 bedrooms arranged into eight-person flats. Originally constructed between 1994 and 1997, the buildings are set to be upgraded to offer modern, high-quality living facilities for students. Internally, the works will include full redecoration of bathrooms with new flooring, sanitaryware, and finishes, as well as modernisation of bedrooms featuring a new painted feature wall. Communal areas will see the installation of new vinyl tile flooring and metal suspended ceilings to enhance both aesthetics and durability. Additional upgrades include the remodelling of the laundrette in Claycroft 1, which will be expanded to include an accessible dryer and incorporate space from an adjacent staff office to create a more functional layout. A key component of the refurbishment is the replacement of existing roof coverings and a full upgrade of the buildings to meet current safety standards. This includes a complete rewire and the renewal of all fire safety systems. The project, which required 14 months of planning and design, will be delivered in three phases between July 2025 and September 2026. One accommodation block will be refurbished at a time, allowing two buildings to remain operational throughout the academic year. This phased approach will minimise disruption for students, who will be able to relocate safely between blocks during construction. The first phase, involving a block of 266 bedrooms, is scheduled for completion in November 2025. The project was procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, which is designed to support privately funded projects in construction, civil engineering, and consultancy. This approach allowed Morgan Sindall to contribute early input on buildability, cost planning, logistics and scheduling. Richard Fielding, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Midlands, said: “It’s fantastic to be on site collaborating with University of Warwick to deliver this refurbishment of Claycroft Residences. Students need space to study, relax, and catch up with friends, and we’re proud that our plans for this development will create a warm, welcoming environment for students to call home during their studies.” Sioned Cash, Interim Director of Accommodation at the University of Warwick, added: “I’m very pleased that work will be starting next week on this exciting redevelopment project. This investment demonstrates the University of Warwick’s continued commitment to enhancing the student experience through high-quality accommodation. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Morgan Sindall to deliver modern, comfortable living spaces that meet the evolving needs of our students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Malaysia’s leading engineering and property group, Gamuda Berhad, together with Singapore-headquartered real estate private equity firm Q Investment Partners (QIP), has announced the expansion of its student accommodation development in Woolwich, London, with the addition of Phase 2. This latest agreement marks a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between Gamuda and QIP, building on the successful momentum of Phase 1, which recently celebrated its topping out. The expanded development reflects the partners’ continued confidence in the long-term fundamentals of the UK’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) market, following their inaugural collaboration on Phase 1, Gamuda’s first UK student housing project and QIP’s first scheme in London. Phase 2, with a gross development value of c.£41.5 million, will add 120 student beds, bringing the total to 419 beds across both phases, and a combined GDV of c.£144.5 million. The phase 2 site was acquired from Hurlington Capital and is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026. Chu Wai Lune, CEO of Gamuda Land, said: “We’re pleased to deepen our collaboration with QIP on this next phase of our Woolwich development. The success of Phase 1 reinforces our confidence in the UK student housing sector and in our ability to create high-quality, sustainable living spaces that resonate with global student needs.” “At Gamuda, we view the UK as a strategic market and are steadily growing our presence through carefully selected partnerships and opportunities. This expansion reflects our commitment to scaling our PBSA footprint across key academic cities, bringing the same level of design quality and community focus that define our developments globally.” The Phase 1 topping out ceremony, held earlier this month, marked the structural completion of the initial 299-bed development and was attended by co-developers Hurlington Capital, along with other key stakeholders including CField Construction, and Alpha Real Estate Finance. Peter Young, CEO and Co-Founder of Q Investment Partners, added: “This Phase 2 agreement underscores the strength of our joint venture with Gamuda and our shared ambition for delivering institutional-quality student accommodation that meets the evolving needs of students while creating long-term value for our investors and communities.” “The Woolwich schemes play a key role in QIP’s portfolio & represents our flagship PBSA development in London, reflecting our long-term commitment to the UK market. Led by our UK-based QIP Development Group (QIPDG), under the leadership of James Coppack, this project also highlights the importance of our development expertise & execution within QIP’s vertically integrated real estate platform. We were among the first to recognise the area’s potential, and we’re proud to see this development progress with strong momentum.” “The UK PBSA sector continues to present compelling opportunities, and we remain committed to delivering long-term value through well-located, thoughtfully designed assets.” Strategic Urban Location with Excellent Connectivity Located on Beresford Street within the Royal Arsenal regeneration masterplan, the development forms part of the multi-billion-pound transformation of the area and enjoys direct access to central London via the Elizabeth Line. The location ensures commute times of under 35 minutes to eight major universities including the University of Greenwich (24 minutes), King’s College London (35 minutes), and LSE (35 minutes). Designed with student well-being in mind, the final development will offer a full suite of amenities including private study areas, fitness facilities, yoga rooms, games rooms, bicycle storage, and a community hub with commercial space at ground level. Sustainability and affordability are core to the project’s vision, with Phase 1 targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, and 35% of units designated as affordable student accommodation. Confidence in a Growing Sector The announcement comes amid continued investor interest in the UK PBSA market, driven by: Gamuda is actively expanding its PBSA portfolio to develop approximately 3,000 beds in the UK by 2029, with a particular focus on Russell Group university cities where demand consistently outpaces supply. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has reached a significant construction milestone at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at Leith, Edinburgh, with a topping out ceremony marking completion of the site’s structural framework. Located on Leith Walk, Firethorn’s six-storey asset will provide high quality accommodation for 230 student beds, alongside generous amenities including a fully equipped gym, student common room, cinema and modern study spaces. Work commenced last summer, following Firethorn’s purchase of the site in February 2024, marking the first acquisition under its Living portfolio. The company has since expanded its footprint with additional PBSA assets in Hackney Wick and Stratford, plus a hotel development in central Dublin and the One Bessborough Gardens residential conversion in London. With the structural frame now complete, Leith Walk is on track for completion in time for the 2026/27 academic year. Paul Martin, Head of Development at Firethorn Trust, commented: “As the first asset within our Living portfolio, topping out at Leith Walk is a significant milestone for Firethorn, and a prime example of our ability to deliver buildings swiftly and to a high standard. “Edinburgh has a growing student population and an urgent need for modern, quality accommodation, so we are very pleased with the pace at which works are progressing and look forward to bringing the site to completion over the next 12 months.” Grier Edmead, Operations Director, Ogilvie Construction, said:  “Today’s topping out marks the significant progress that we have made since breaking ground last year, and we look forward to handing over a first class building in 2026. This will be the fifteenth student accommodation facility that we have delivered in recent years using our extensive experience and expertise in the sector.” For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals