Arc & Co. and Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) have completed a £21.5 million development facility to support the delivery of a 210-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in central Nottingham. The sponsor, an experienced developer, appointed Arc & Co. to structure and arrange the £21.5m facility, with HTB providing the development funding. Construction has commenced and the scheme is targeting completion ahead of the 2027 student intake. Nottingham, home to both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, is a key regional student market where demand continues to outstrip supply. The development will deliver 210 new bed spaces in a high-quality scheme designed to meet the needs of a growing student population. Philip Kay, Director at Arc & Co, said: “PBSA remains a highly active sector for Arc & Co., and we were very pleased to support the sponsor on this important Nottingham scheme. “Our role was to structure and arrange a funding solution that aligned with the developer’s requirements, and HTB proved to be an excellent partner throughout the process. Their ability to navigate the complexities of a transaction of this scale and deliver with certainty made them the right lender for this project.” Andrew Dignum, Lending Director at HTB, said: “This was a significant opportunity to support a new to bank client on a complex PBSA scheme. “The £21.5m facility underlines HTB’s capability in structuring and funding large student accommodation developments in key regional markets, and it has been a pleasure to work in partnership with Arc & Co. to deliver this transaction. We look forward to seeing the scheme progress and to building on this new relationship.” Neil Leitch, Managing Director of Development Finance at HTB, added: “Student accommodation remains one of the most resilient sectors in regional property markets, with Nottingham a prime example of a location where demand continues to exceed supply. Transactions of this scale and complexity require specialist sector knowledge and certainty of funding. “At HTB we are building a strong PBSA track record, and this facility reinforces our role as a trusted partner for complex regional development.” So far in 2025, Arc & Co. has completed a series of £20m+ funding transactions, including a £26m bridging loan for a Prime London residential property; a 111-bed PBSA scheme in London with a £36m GDV; and a £59m loan secured against a hotel portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn, has appointed HG Construction to deliver a high-quality purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) site in Hackney Wick. Part of the Firethorn Living portfolio, Hackney Wick will comprise 204 modern and spacious student bed spaces, 35% of which will be affordable accommodation. Residents will benefit from generous amenities, including co-working study spaces, common rooms, private dining space, a gym and two outdoor roof terraces. Firethorn will also work with a local community interest group to create around 1,400 sq. m. of affordable and incubator workspace at the site, to support the local creative industry. Set on the grounds of the former Broadwood piano factory, the development will preserve and incorporate the site’s historic brick chimney, originally built in 1902. Sustainable features have been incorporated into the design, with a target BREEAM “Excellent” rating. Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn said: “Hackney Wick reflects our commitment to increasing the provision of high-quality student accommodation in key university cities across the UK. HG Construction’s strong track record in delivering modern PBSA developments, combined with the team’s local expertise, makes it the ideal partner for this project. We look forward to working together to bring the development to swift completion.” Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of HG Construction, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Firethorn to deliver this exciting new scheme. Having previously delivered several successful developments just a stone’s throw from the site, we know the area well and value its rich heritage. The opportunity to preserve key historical elements while bringing forward high-quality student accommodation aligns perfectly with our ethos. “We look forward to collaborating with Firethorn to deliver this scheme with a commitment to quality and sustainability, and to maximising social value opportunities throughout the construction phase and beyond.” The development is within a 15-minute walking distance of University Arts London and UCL East, and the surrounding area offers a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants and shopping centres. Work is due to start on site immediately, with completion on track for the 2027/28 academic year. Hackney Wick is Firethorn’s third PBSA development, with the others located in Stratford, London, and Leith Walk in Edinburgh, which has reached the topping out stage and is scheduled for practical completion in September 2026. Firethorn’s growing living portfolio also includes the delivery of a 138-bedroom hostel in Dublin, sleeping up to 716 persons, and the office-to-residential conversion of One Bessborough Gardens in central London. For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading design & build contractor, McAleer & Rushe, together with Vita Group, have celebrated a significant construction milestone with the topping out of their purpose-built student accommodation scheme at New Waverley in Edinburgh. Bringing together key project stakeholders, including senior representatives from McAleer & Rushe, Vita Group and Puma Property Finance, the ceremony marked the structural completion of the development, which will deliver a 267-bed Vita Student residence in time for the 2026 academic year. Representing the fifth project McAleer & Rushe have undertaken as part of the £240M New Waverley regeneration masterplan, the scheme is transforming a brownfield site to cater for Edinburgh’s growing need for more student accommodation. Once complete, Vita Student New Waverley will feature amenities such as a state-of-the-art gym, social and study spaces, as well as Vita Student’s industry-leading customer experience which has been designed to help students maximise their university experience and ‘Begin Big.’ This development is among a series of collaborations between McAleer & Rushe and Vita Group, including ongoing projects at Gough Street in Birmingham and India Street in Glasgow, as well as the award-winning Bruce Street scheme in Belfast. The new scheme will be the third Vita Student residence in Edinburgh, joining established sites at Fountainbridge and Iona Street. Mark Diamond, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “We’re delighted to celebrate this important milestone and reflect on the collective efforts of our partners, project team and valued supply chain in bringing this landmark development to life. We look forward to completing the scheme to the highest standards, creating a first-class living environment for students in Edinburgh while continuing to deliver lasting investment into this vibrant area of the city.” Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer for Vita Group said: “We’re proud to celebrate the topping out of Vita Student New Waverley, marking a significant step forward in delivering our third residence in the city. Edinburgh is home to a thriving student community, and this development will provide much-needed high-quality accommodation designed to support student wellbeing and success. This milestone also reflects the strength of our trusted partnership with McAleer & Rushe, as together we continue to create outstanding student living environments across the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office block into high-specification student living, ready for occupation ahead of the 2025/26 academic year. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building offers a mix of en-suite cluster bedrooms and premium studios, alongside amenities including a gym, yoga studio, cinema room and social study spaces. The top floor features large-format studios with panoramic views across the city. Internally, the accommodation includes high-quality finishes, upgraded soft furnishings, and enhanced design details – reflecting evolving expectations for modern student living. With sustainability embedded throughout, the development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and incorporates traditional foundations into the city’s sandstone bedrock, alongside specialist works which have included cave probing to meet complex planning conditions. Around 40% of the workforce has been sourced locally, supporting regional employment and skills. McLaren has worked closely with both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering student site visits and work experience placements to provide practical learning opportunities in areas such as live construction, health and safety, and technical design. Extensive community engagement has also played a central role in the delivery of the project, with the site team maintaining regular contact with neighbouring businesses and supporting nearby Huntingdon Academy with improvements to outdoor facilities. Charitable initiatives have included fundraising for the Lighthouse Club and Save the Children, as well as a mental health awareness session led by the Strong Men charity. Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “Talbot Street now known as Fabric, has been a flagship project for our Midlands and North business – combining sustainable construction methods, collaborative delivery, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We are proud to bring the scheme to fruition, handing over in time for students in the September intake.” Ed Court, development director at McLaren Property, said: “Fabric is a great example of our purpose-built student accommodation and we’re delighted to see Talbot Street completed to such a high standard. Working closely with McLaren Construction, we’ve delivered a scheme that reflects the evolving expectations of students – offering high-quality amenities, great design, and a strong focus on sustainability.” Fabric adds to McLaren Property’s growing portfolio of residential and student accommodation schemes and represents a major investment in Nottingham’s built environment and student infrastructure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Clegg Construction has officially handed over a £37 million student accommodation development in Leeds, ready for the start of the new academic year. The Fabric Works, located on Leylands Road, provides 402 studio apartments and a range of modern amenities including study space, a cinema lounge and media room, fitness studio and gym, courtyard, bike storage, private dining facilities, and communal areas featuring pool tables and a dry bar. The two-year project was delivered on schedule, ensuring students can move in this September. It was developed in partnership with PPG Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Primus Property Group and HIG Capital. The scheme sits next to Spinners Yard, a 185-apartment build-to-rent scheme completed earlier this year by Clegg Construction for Rise Homes. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver The Fabric Works and we’re very pleased to have handed it over on time, as per our original and planned programme of work, and ready for the 2025/2026 academic year. “This scheme provides modern and stylish accommodation in a thriving area of Leeds and is ideally situated for the city’s three universities. “It adds to our growing portfolio of significant developments in Leeds, cementing our position as a key contractor helping to shape the city.” The delivery team for The Fabric Works included Tim Groom Architects, Ridge and Partners, Strive, KKA Studio, Quartz Project Services, and Innov8 Development Solutions. As part of its community commitments, Clegg Construction hosted visits from Leeds College of Building students, donated to the Blessed of the Father Food Bank, and maintained regular communication with local residents through newsletters, letter drops, noticeboards, and in-person engagement. The company also partnered with Community Wood Recycling for sustainable waste management and supported Wren Bakery, which provides disadvantaged women with training and employment opportunities. Adam Turner, director at Primus Property Group, said: “Clegg demonstrated consistent professionalism throughout The Fabric Works project, with highly capable and well-resourced teams that ensured efficient delivery to a high standard. “They were organised, proactive in addressing challenges, and maintained clear communication at all times. Their coordination of quality subcontractors, collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail greatly contributed to the project’s success – and reinforced our confidence in their ability to deliver similar complex schemes in the future.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK has been appointed by UPP as the lead contractor for the ambitious West Park development at the University of Exeter, following financial close. The project will redefine student accommodation, focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency while providing modern, purpose-built living spaces. Bouygues UK will partner with UPP, the UK’s leading provider of on-campus student accommodation infrastructure, to deliver this innovative project for the University of Exeter. As the appointed lead contractor, Bouygues UK will spearhead the construction efforts, ensuring the creation of modern, energy-efficient student residences to Passivhaus standards. The West Park development includes the construction of six new student accommodation blocks and the refurbishment of one existing block within the University’s Streatham campus. Designed to accommodate 1,849 students, the development promotes interactive social lives with central social facilities on the main campus. The project’s design, led by Willmore Iles Architects and Architype, is to Passivhaus standards, an internationally recognised standard for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Additionally, the development will be accredited to the WELL Community standard, ensuring a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of residents. Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, commented, “We are delighted to lead the construction for the Passivhaus West Park development, a project that symbolises innovation and sustainability in student accommodation. Bouygues UK is committed to delivering exemplary projects that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and resident wellbeing and we are grateful for the trust of our client. We look forward to collaborating with UPP to bring this vision to life.” Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO said, “We are delighted to reach financial close on this major project and to be working with Bouygues UK on the delivery of such an innovative scheme.” Bouygues UK is excited to contribute to a project that sets a new benchmark for university accommodation across the country and is committed to fostering a transformative student experience at the University of Exeter. The first tranche of students is expected to be welcomed into the new accommodation in September 2027, with full occupation in 2028. The project is scheduled for completion over a three-year period. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the first phase of a £100m student accommodation development adjacent to the University of Warwick. Delivered on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, the scheme has provided 572 new student beds, with a total of 1,078 bedrooms and 131 co-living rooms to be delivered across two phases. Phase two is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, in time for the 2025/26 academic year. The project, known as iQ Longwood Place, is being developed by Topland Group and McLaren Property. It replaces outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, following the demolition of Avon House, Swift House, and associated structures. Nine new residential blocks are being constructed across the site, which also incorporates retail, leisure and community spaces. 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.” McLaren has managed the scheme with a strong focus on sustainability, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. Measures have included recycling demolition materials, using the SmartWaste platform for waste management, and protecting the surrounding woodland and watercourses. High-specification landscaping, tree protection zones and green space enhancements form part of the design. Throughout delivery, McLaren has worked with Coventry City Council, local businesses and residents, providing on-site work placements and regular project updates. 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.” 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

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