2024 has been a landmark year for Study Inn, with the company winning three prestigious awards across the student accommodation sector, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry. At the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards held at Wembley, Study Inn won Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative Award. The
A trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Commercial has partnered with Oxford Brookes University to build a vibrant and sustainable student community in harmony with its woodland setting. The new Clive Booth Student Village, set close to the university’s Headington Campus, replaces outdated student accommodation built in the 1970s
GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by
Fabrix, the visionary property developer, has secured planning approval for an innovative 283-bed student accommodation scheme in the heart of Elephant & Castle, Southwark. The development is part of a 134,000 sq ft mixed-use project set to transform a derelict site on Walworth Road into a vibrant hub that celebrates
DEVELOPER Cassidy Group Ltd has announced it has successfully achieved an industry –first safety standard under the Building Safety Act (BSA) for its latest new-build student PBSA project. In October 2024, the company gained the vital Gateway 2 approval for its development The Square, a 419-studio building in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
Construction company McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus to construct a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in London. Located at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Snow Hill, 65 Holborn Viaduct will deliver 669 bedrooms across 14 storeys and is ideally located for students attending the London
GMI Construction has secured a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) contract to deliver a £50m scheme in Bristol. The project, on behalf of Host, represents GMI Construction’s first major residential contract win in the Southwest of England as it expands the footprint of its Midlands-based operation. Located at the heart
GMI Construction has won a £50 million contract to build a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) complex in Bristol, marking its first significant residential project in the Southwest as it expands its Midlands-based operations. The 447-bed project, developed for Host, will consist of two new apartment blocks and a standalone
Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational,
Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering
2024 has been a landmark year for Study Inn, with the company winning three prestigious awards across the student accommodation sector, cementing its reputation as a leader in the industry. At the Property Week Student Accommodation Awards held at Wembley, Study Inn won Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative Award. The judges praised the company’s pioneering approach to student wellness, highlighting the introduction of wellness spas in its properties as a sector first. “Your innovative approach to prioritising student health and wellbeing is nothing short of groundbreaking. By creating spaces where students can relax, recharge, and focus on their overall wellbeing, you’re setting a new standard for the industry”, the judges noted. Earlier this year, Study Inn celebrated an notable achievement at the StudentCrowd Voice Awards, receiving ‘Best Student Accommodation’ accolades in every city it operates in—Bristol (1st), Leeds (1st), Loughborough (1st), Exeter (2nd), Leicester (2nd), and Nottingham (3rd). These awards are especially meaningful as they are based on direct feedback from resident students. Study Inn also secured Best Student Broadband Award at the Global Student Living Awards, another student-voted recognition award, that reflects over 100,000 student voices across the UK and Ireland. The company also celebrated its Gold Certified Operator status for the second consecutive year, a testament to its ongoing operational excellence with a net promoter score of +34, 2.6x the benchmark for private halls. Since its inception in 2009, the luxury student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, has been dedicated to putting student wellbeing first, offering an all-inclusive, hotel-like service that sets it apart. From housekeeping, concierge, and 24/7 on-site staff to superfast Wi-Fi and state-of-the-art amenities including wellness spas, yoga studios, bowling lanes, cinema rooms, and study areas, Study Inn delivers an unrivalled experience for its residents. Matt Shakespeare, Managing Director of Operations, commented: “Winning these awards is an endorsement of our product and level of service and reflects the hard work of our entire team. From day one, we’ve been committed to creating spaces where students feel supported, inspired, and cared for. It’s great to see our efforts recognised on such a prestigious scale, and we’re excited to continue raising the bar for student accommodation.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A trusted supplier of luxury vinyl flooring, Karndean Commercial has partnered with Oxford Brookes University to build a vibrant and sustainable student community in harmony with its woodland setting. The new Clive Booth Student Village, set close to the university’s Headington Campus, replaces outdated student accommodation built in the 1970s with a complex of accommodation blocks that sit sensitively within the established wooded landscape and conform to Passivhaus and BREEAM design principles. Appointing MICA Architects and Karndean Commercial alongside a multi-disciplinary team, including landscape architects, ecology and arboricultural consultants as well as transport and heritage consultants, Oxford Brookes University is constructing 12 environmentally friendly blocks containing over one thousand spacious and airy study bedrooms within contemporary shared apartments. Richard Allen, sales director at Karndean Commercial said: “In an urban area with extreme pressure on rental housing like Oxford, having purpose built accommodation for students is a boon for the university and the wider community. We are proud to be involved with a project that is increasing the availability of much needed student accommodation whilst protecting the established woodland setting, retaining prize specimens and planting new trees to enhance the landscape. “Our designs are all inspired by the wonderous beauty of nature and the precious woods and stones we source from around the world so we understand the benefits of connecting our living spaces to the healing power of the natural world and the need to minimise our impact on the environment.” Named after Professor Sir Clive Booth, a former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, the new student village offers convenient contemporary accommodation with light filled study bedrooms and spacious communal kitchen and living spaces. Jessie Turnbull, senior associate at MICA Architects, said: “The university was keen to construct high quality, low impact accommodation that would be a calm and secure place to live, offering students a living space where they can relax and bring their best selves to their studies. “The site is positioned adjacent to Headington Hill Hall, a listed historic manor house, and positioned within the Hall’s arboretum so it was important that the new accommodation blocks would integrate into this landscape to create a woodland village. To enhance this feeling of connection with nature, each building has been named in honour of native trees.” Self-contained apartments include between six and 11 study bedrooms, each with a compact ensuite, and a generously sized shared kitchen dining living room. Wider and shallower than frequently found for student accommodation and fitted with large windows that open for plenty of natural ventilation, the study bedrooms benefit from daylight that penetrates all the way to the back of the room, connecting the interior with its woodland surroundings. The interior boasts a contemporary biophilic style that has been developed around the project’s key priorities of sustainability, practicality and wellbeing. Alongside a natural colour palette and furniture made from recycled materials, oak design flooring from Karndean Commercial’s Knight Tile range creates a warm and welcoming environment. Jessie explained: “The university was very keen to use LVT throughout the accommodation as this would be easier to clean and would provide a modern vibe that appeals to both domestic and international students. Carpeted bedrooms are very much a British choice while hard floors are more usual in homes across Europe, Asia and the United States. Following consultation with a group of student ambassadors, we opted for the warm natural tones of Lime Washed Oak in the bedrooms and Rose Washed Oak with its slightly greyer hues in each living space to complement the duck egg blue kitchen units. The concrete frame construction called for a rigid core format, with its enhanced acoustic benefits and easier installation. “The feedback we’ve had from students has been absolutely fantastic and, although it’s early days, the flooring is holding up really well.” With sustainability a key consideration for the project, Morgan Sindall Construction’s CarboniCa tool was used to evaluate the construction’s holistic life cycle, collating embodied carbon and life cycle costing from each material’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). With a durable construction that ensures longevity, Karndean flooring contributes a lower overall life cycle carbon cost than other flooring options, as evidenced in its third party verified EPDs. Karndean’s Knight Tile rigid core flooring, part of the Karndean Living collection, features a host of practical benefits including a waterproof, hygienic surface that’s easy to maintain, a durable 0.3mm wear layer and R10 slip resistance, while an integrated acoustic layer reduces impact noise transfer to rooms below by 19dB. With a click-locking mechanism, Knight Tile is easy to install over most hard subfloors and is suitable for any residential setting or light to moderate commercial use. Each floor comes with a lifetime residential or ten year commercial guarantee. To explore the Knight Tile rigid core range, visit www.karndeancommercial.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has celebrated the topping out of Rialto House, a £50m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on the site of York’s former Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall. The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by The Beatles, will offer 275 beds and 80,000 sq. feet of state-of-the-art living space. It will also feature a range of amenities including gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, integrated cycle parking, and landscaped courtyards. Honouring its cinematic roots, the development will also feature a bespoke in-house cinema. Located in Fulford, a 10-minute walk from the historic city centre and seven-minute bus ride from the University of York, it is well-positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality student accommodation. GMI is utilising a predominantly local supply chain for the project, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional businesses and sustainable practices. Rialto House is scheduled for completion in time for the 2025 academic year intake, and is expected to make a significant contribution to alleviating the city’s current shortfall of student accommodation. William Sharpey, Senior Construction Manager for Olympian Homes, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage on time and within budget is a major milestone, and perfectly positions us to focus on achieving practical completion by June 2025. “Rialto House is set to raise the bar for student living. In a market with a significant undersupply of PBSA, it will provide students with an exceptional living experience, helping them thrive both academically and socially.” Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “The topping-out of Rialto House is a testament to the seamless collaboration between GMI and Olympian Homes. It signifies the progress we’ve made in bringing this project to life, balancing and blending a modern design with the site’s historical legacy. “We’re proud to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class accommodation that addresses York’s critical need for high-quality student housing, while also enhancing the area’s unique character and community.” The site, rich in history and cultural significance, is adjacent to York’s Central Core Historic Conservation Area and within an area of archaeological importance. Once home to the iconic Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, the site was most recently used as a car park following its 2003 demolition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fabrix, the visionary property developer, has secured planning approval for an innovative 283-bed student accommodation scheme in the heart of Elephant & Castle, Southwark. The development is part of a 134,000 sq ft mixed-use project set to transform a derelict site on Walworth Road into a vibrant hub that celebrates community, sustainability, and urban regeneration. A Bold Vision for Community and Connectivity Designed in collaboration with Howells architects, the scheme will revitalise an underused office building that has long blighted the area, turning it into a dynamic space blending student housing with meaningful amenities for the local community. The project reimagines urban living by putting people, place, and nature at its core. A new pedestrian route will improve site accessibility, while a courtyard garden and green spaces will offer much-needed respite from the bustling high street. Key highlights include: Sustainability at the Forefront Fabrix’s commitment to sustainability shines through in every aspect of the project. The development preserves the structure of the existing building, reducing construction waste, and integrates eco-friendly technologies such as air-source heat pumps and rooftop solar panels. The green and blue roofs—covering an area equivalent to an Olympic swimming pool—and the planting of 22 new trees underscore the project’s emphasis on ecological resilience. The all-electric scheme exemplifies how regeneration can benefit both the environment and the community, supporting the area’s transition to a greener future. Creating a Hub for All Far from being a standalone student housing project, the scheme is a model of how student accommodation can integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Fabrix’s design actively fosters connections between students and the local community, encouraging collaboration and inclusivity. The vision is rooted in extensive consultation with local residents, whose input has shaped the final plans, ensuring that the development is as much about giving back as it is about building. A Transformational Development for Elephant & Castle Louis Duffield, Partner at Fabrix, summarised the project’s significance: “Our redevelopment of Walworth Road addresses a longstanding challenge by turning a stranded office building into a vibrant, inclusive space. This ambitious project is not just about creating student housing but adding density, activity, and value to the high street while strengthening social and economic ties in the area.” Partners and Progress Fabrix worked closely with an outstanding team to bring this project to life, including Howells, Quod, Harris Bugg Studio, Elliott Wood, Arup, Gardiner & Theobald, and Pembroke House. With its bold mix of student housing, affordable homes, and community-driven spaces, this transformative project will create a legacy for Walworth and set a benchmark for sustainable, inclusive urban regeneration. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DEVELOPER Cassidy Group Ltd has announced it has successfully achieved an industry –first safety standard under the Building Safety Act (BSA) for its latest new-build student PBSA project. In October 2024, the company gained the vital Gateway 2 approval for its development The Square, a 419-studio building in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. It will be delivered for the 2026/27 academic year, serving University of Nottingham students, after planning permission was granted in May 2023. Gateway 2 is part of a series of critical gateways introduced under the 2022 Building Safety Act to enhance safety standards for higher-risk buildings, introduced in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. It involves rigorous inspections during construction to verify the work adheres to approved plans. Peter Cavendish at Cassidy Group Ltd, said: “This achievement is a unique milestone for Cassidy and reaffirms our commitment to delivering safe, sustainable, and high-quality developments. As we move forward, we remain focused on setting the highest industry standards. “Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure we meet every requirement, and this approval from the Building Safety Regulator is a testament to their dedication and expertise.” The Beeston development adds to Cassidy’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) portfolio in Arkwright Street and London Road in Nottingham, creating a total of 1,084 student beds and 319 private rented sector (PRS) apartments. With a gross development value of circa £200 million, the projects are to be delivered over the next two years. Peter Cavendish added: “The Square, along with our other PBSA schemes, provides a welcome relief to some of the 19,000-student bed shortage in Nottingham, and the 2,000-student bed shortage in the micro-location of Beeston, according to StuRents data.” Cassidy Group Ltd is actively looking for investment partners for current and future developments, including 3,000 student beds and 1,000 PRS apartments across England over the next two to three years. With nearly four decades of experience, Cassidy Group Ltd specialises in the UK student accommodation and multi-family build to rent (BTR) and PRS sectors, delivering thousands of beds for clients such as Edmond de Rothschild, Franklin Templeton, and Student Roost/Brookfield, providing secure income-generating investments. Those interested in working with the team can get in touch by calling +44 (0)1926 431313, emailing info@cassidygroupltd.com or visiting www.cassidygroupltd.com to find out more. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction company McAleer & Rushe has been appointed by developer Dominus to construct a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in London. Located at the junction of Holborn Viaduct and Snow Hill, 65 Holborn Viaduct will deliver 669 bedrooms across 14 storeys and is ideally located for students attending the London School of Economics, King’s College and Queen Mary University. Designed by Stiff + Trevillion Architects and Jonathan Cook Landscape Architects, 65 Holborn Viaduct will provide a mix of bedroom types including studios, two-dios and cluster apartments, with 35 percent allocated as affordable accommodation and 64 rooms proposed as wheelchair accessible. The designs offer generous amenity space for students with an on-site café/bar, cinema room, music rooms, games area, gym and external roof terraces. Mark Diamond, Senior Director, McAleer & Rushe said: “We are delighted to be entrusted as Construction Partner to deliver this landmark PBSA scheme by our long-standing client, Dominus. “Designed to seamlessly blend into the community and provide a high-quality student living experience, the project is an excellent example of our shared commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact which has been showcased throughout our decade-long partnership with Dominus. “With a proven track record in delivering PBSA schemes across the UK, our experienced team are well placed to deliver Holborn Viaduct for the 2027 academic year. We look forward to working closely with all partners to bring this scheme to life efficiently and sustainably.” Anupriya Rajpal, Development Director, Dominus added: “This appointment is an exciting milestone in the development of 65 Holborn Viaduct, paving the way for much-needed student accommodation in the City of London.” Targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, the scheme has been designed to be sustainable in both construction and operation, utilising urban greening and water saving measures with the aim of reducing operational carbon emissions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has secured a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) contract to deliver a £50m scheme in Bristol. The project, on behalf of Host, represents GMI Construction’s first major residential contract win in the Southwest of England as it expands the footprint of its Midlands-based operation. Located at the heart of the city’s Temple Meads Quarter, the 447 bed PBSA complex will create two new apartment blocks and a standalone mixed-use building around an open courtyard on the site of the former Chanson Foods facility. 200 metres from Bristol Temple Meads railway station and overlooking the city’s Floating Harbour, the scheme will also be close to the forthcoming Bristol University Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. Designed by Chapman Taylor, GMI Construction will deliver the scheme, which was created in consultation with Bristol City Council, across a two year build programme that is expected to be complete for start of the 2026 academic year. This is the latest in a portfolio of PBSA schemes delivered, or being delivered, by GMI in key university cities. For example, the company recently completed the 604-bed Carlton Hill development for Pickard Properties in Leeds and Alumno’s 167-bed Dogpool Lane in Birmingham. Wider to this, GMI Construction is currently building a £50m, 275-bed scheme for Olympian Homes and a 303-bed PBSA development on behalf of S Harrison Developments, both of which are in York. Adam Taylor, GMI Construction’s Regional Director in the Midlands, said: “We are exceptionally proud to secure this major project with Host, which will deliver much needed, high-quality, additional student accommodation in the centre of Bristol. This project also strengthens GMI’s credentials in the construction of multi-occupancy developments, particularly in the student accommodation sector, and our expansion into new regions of the UK.” Keith Dean, Hosts Development Manager, said “Given the level of unmet demand from students currently unable to access PBSA in Bristol, the development of Avon Street is great news for the city. We are excited to realise the ambitious plans for Avon Street with GMI, which are focussed on combining the highest quality accommodation with an outstanding location to provide the best student living experience available in Bristol.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has won a £50 million contract to build a major Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) complex in Bristol, marking its first significant residential project in the Southwest as it expands its Midlands-based operations. The 447-bed project, developed for Host, will consist of two new apartment blocks and a standalone mixed-use building designed around an open courtyard. Situated in the Temple Meads Quarter on the former site of Chanson Foods, the development will sit just 200 meters from Bristol Temple Meads railway station, offering close proximity to the new Bristol University Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and a view of the Floating Harbour. Renowned architecture firm Chapman Taylor designed the project in partnership with Bristol City Council. With a two-year construction timeline, the project is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2026 academic year. Adam Taylor, GMI Construction’s Regional Director in the Midlands, said: “We are exceptionally proud to secure this major project with Host, which will deliver much needed, high-quality, additional student accommodation in the centre of Bristol. This project also strengthens GMI’s credentials in the construction of multi-occupancy developments, particularly in the student accommodation sector, and our expansion into new regions of the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Cole Waterhouse has submitted a transformative planning application for Trafford Wharf, a landmark mixed-use project on the site of the former Hilti headquarters in Stretford. Following extensive public consultation, the proposal outlines plans to revitalise the 2.2-acre brownfield site off Trafford Wharf Road with a dynamic blend of residential, educational, and commercial spaces designed to inject new life into the Wharfside regeneration zone. The ambitious scheme will deliver 438 build-to-rent apartments, with 20% earmarked as affordable homes for Trafford residents, and 419 purpose-built student beds, addressing the region’s growing demand for student housing. Complementing these are a new 24,057-square-foot higher education facility that includes teaching spaces, student amenities, and a welcoming café for residents, students, and the community alike. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Chapman Taylor, the development features two residential towers with modern amenities and landscaped public spaces, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. Positioned within Trafford Council’s Wharfside regeneration area—envisioned to support up to 5,000 new homes and a new stadium for Manchester United—the development will also support flexible commercial spaces at ground level, making it a cornerstone in the area’s revitalisation. Simon Gallanders, Managing Director of Residential at Cole Waterhouse, noted the project’s potential impact: “This game-changing development could transform a well-known site into a flourishing community, providing hundreds of new homes to meet Trafford’s pressing need for affordable housing. Trafford Wharf’s proximity to Salford and Manchester campuses also makes it ideal for premium student housing, a need that’s becoming critical in Greater Manchester, where student numbers are soaring.” The project promises extensive economic benefits, with over 1,300 jobs expected during the construction phase and nearly 300 in ongoing operational roles. With a Gross Development Value (GDV) of around £200 million, the scheme also pledges over £1.6 million in s106 contributions to enhance local infrastructure. Cole Waterhouse acquired the site from Hilti in April and is jointly submitting the planning application with Hilti. If approved, the development would mark Hilti’s exit from the project. Key project partners include Paul Butler Associates as planning consultant, TSA Riley as project manager, Russell Bolton Consulting for cost management, XO Square for structural engineering, and Watt WECE for M&E engineering. As the Trafford Wharf project moves forward, it stands to become a significant milestone in Stretford’s urban renewal, offering a blend of housing, education, and commercial opportunities that set a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Dominus and Cheyne Capital have successfully obtained planning permission to transform 65 Fleet Street, London, into a dynamic mixed-use space primarily focused on student accommodation. The redevelopment will breathe new life into the former offices of the law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, celebrating Fleet Street’s rich historical legacy while catering to contemporary needs. This project exemplifies Dominus’ expertise in student accommodation and reflects the strategic partnership with Cheyne Capital. Together, they aim to create a hub that aligns with the City of London’s “Destination City” initiative by preserving and enhancing Fleet Street’s architectural character. Key historical features, including the Grade II-listed Whitefriars Crypt, will be carefully restored and opened for public access, connecting visitors to the area’s rich past. The cherished Tipperary Pub will also be thoughtfully renovated and reopened, maintaining its historical and cultural significance for the community. The redevelopment brings exciting new additions to Fleet Street, including “Tattle at The Tipperary,” a contemporary independent coffee shop designed as a welcoming spot for students, residents, and visitors. A florist shop will add a vibrant touch to Fleet Street, enhancing the area’s appeal. In line with its commitment to sustainability, the project targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, showcasing high environmental standards. Dominus and Cheyne Capital plan to reuse significant portions of the existing structure to minimise waste, while an energy-efficient building envelope will optimise natural heating and cooling, reducing energy usage. The redevelopment will be entirely car-free, with extensive cycle storage promoting sustainable commuting options for residents. Marking their first major collaboration in Fleet Street, this project builds on Dominus and Cheyne Capital’s momentum, following two key financing transactions in 2023 worth £400 million for student accommodation projects in central London. The redevelopment at 65 Fleet Street underscores their shared commitment to fostering sustainable, lively communities in the heart of the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
