McLaren Construction Midlands and North has made significant progress at the £160m Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. Since McLaren’s appointment late last year, work has advanced with both tower cranes now fully operational and concrete cores for both buildings reaching full height. The 23-storey UBS tower has progressed to level five floor slabs, and the nine-storey K block has reached level four. The project team has also completed the installation of the attenuation tank and established exemplary site accommodation nearby. Current works are focused on progressing the concrete frame with floor slab construction ongoing across both buildings, and this phase will continue over the coming months with façade installation expected to commence in the summer. Modern methods of construction remain central to the scheme, and the project incorporates a full concrete frame and fully unitised prefabricated façade panels. The development is targeting high sustainability standards, including BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, alongside a broader commitment to reducing environmental impact through efficient construction practices. The project has set social value deliverables including creating local jobs, dedicating time supporting unemployed people back into work, improving local skills including by hosting site visits, creating apprenticeships and supporting young people into work, 20% of construction value to be spent locally, and supporting local community projects to help increase green space and biodiversity. The team has started to develop this by working closely with local organisations, including initiatives in partnership with the Salvation Army, to provide work experience opportunities. Engagement with community groups is also ongoing, with discussions underway to support a local Scout group and a proposed greenhouse project linked to a nearby residents’ initiative at Brunswick allotments. Upper Brook Street will deliver 737 student beds across two buildings of 9 and 23 storeys, alongside a range of shared amenities including study areas, fitness facilities and social spaces.  Once complete, the development will provide new public and community-focused facilities, contributing to the wider Oxford Road Corridor. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “Progress on Upper Brook Street has been excellent, with the team achieving key structural milestones in a short period of time. Reaching full height on both concrete cores is an achievement and is testament to the collaboration and expertise across the team. As we move forward, we remain focused on maintaining this momentum while continuing to deliver meaningful social value within the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Hammerson has secured outline planning consent for a major purpose built student accommodation scheme in Bristol, marking a significant step forward in the redevelopment of a key city centre site. The approval from Bristol City Council will enable the transformation of underutilised land at Cabot Gate, located adjacent to the Cabot Circus estate. The proposals allow for the delivery of up to 600 student accommodation units, alongside new public realm and community focused spaces, subject to detailed design and reserved matters approval. The scheme forms part of Hammerson’s wider strategy to unlock value from its landholdings while enhancing the quality and connectivity of its urban assets. Positioned at one of Bristol’s principal gateway locations, the development is expected to play an important role in strengthening links between surrounding neighbourhoods and the city centre. In addition to student accommodation, the outline plans include the creation of new green spaces, improved pedestrian and cycle routes and a multi purpose community pavilion. These elements are designed to support placemaking objectives and deliver a more integrated and accessible urban environment. The planning consent follows an extensive period of public consultation and engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the council’s broader vision for the city. The project also builds on Hammerson’s ongoing investment in Bristol, including enhancement works at Quakers Friars and the continued repositioning of Cabot Circus as a leading retail and leisure destination in the South West. Jonatan Carlring, development director at Hammerson, described the approval as a key milestone for the site, highlighting the collaborative approach taken with the local authority and community. He noted that the scheme will deliver much needed accommodation while improving connectivity and creating high quality public spaces. The Cabot Gate development reflects the continued growth of the student accommodation sector in major regional cities, where demand remains strong and well located schemes are increasingly being integrated into wider mixed use regeneration strategies. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Watkin Jones has reached a major milestone on its 484-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bristol, with the Malago Road development securing Gateway 2 approval and progressing into full delivery. The scheme, located within the city’s fast-evolving Temple Quarter, is being delivered through a joint venture with Maslow Capital. Gateway 2 approval confirms that all necessary planning, funding and contractual arrangements are in place, allowing the project to move confidently into the next phase of construction. Works commenced on site in early 2026, with the development remaining on programme for completion ahead of the 2028 academic year. Once delivered, the scheme will provide a mix of modern student accommodation, including studio units and 30 non-en suite rooms, arranged across three buildings. The project will regenerate a brownfield site in a well-connected urban location, positioned approximately 100 metres from Bedminster station and within an 11-minute walk of the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus. Part of the development will operate under a nomination agreement with the university, supporting demand from its expanding student population. The scheme forms part of a wider wave of PBSA development across key regional cities, where supply continues to lag behind growing student numbers. Its proximity to transport infrastructure and major academic institutions is expected to underpin strong long-term occupancy and investment performance. Gwyn Pritchard, managing director at Watkin Jones, said the milestone reflects the strength of collaboration across the project team, as well as the quality of the scheme’s design and delivery approach. He added that the development demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable, future-ready student accommodation in prime urban locations. Sky Mapson, senior director of origination at Maslow Capital, described Gateway 2 approval as a significant step forward, highlighting Bristol’s continued appeal as a market with clear demand for well-located PBSA. He noted that the scheme is well positioned to meet the long-term needs of the city, particularly given its connectivity and alignment with the University of Bristol’s growth plans. The Malago Road project reinforces the continued momentum within the PBSA sector, with developers and investors targeting high-quality schemes in strong university cities where demand fundamentals remain robust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has been appointed by the University of Bath to progress plans for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development at its Claverton Down campus. The scheme, which is being procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), will see GRAHAM work in partnership with the University under a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to help shape and develop the design ahead of construction. Once complete, the development will deliver 960 student bedrooms alongside a range of associated facilities designed to support student wellbeing and campus life, including communal kitchens and social spaces, study areas, a games room, laundry facilities, and flexible spaces for use throughout the academic year. Located on the eastern edge of the University’s campus, the accommodation will comprise a mix of en-suite cluster flats and townhouse-style living, creating a diverse and high-quality residential offering. The project will support the University’s ambition to create a healthy, sustainable and inclusive campus environment, with GRAHAM bringing its expertise in low-carbon construction and energy-efficient design to the scheme. The buildings are targeting high sustainability standards, including certification to Passivhaus principles, which will support reduced energy demand, improved thermal comfort and enhanced indoor air quality for residents. Measures such as air source heat pumps and a fabric-first approach will further contribute to lowering operational carbon and supporting the University’s wider net zero ambitions. The development will play a key role in increasing on-campus accommodation capacity for first-year students, helping to meet growing demand while enhancing the University’s wider residential offering. Rod McMullan, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: Securing this appointment with the University of Bath marks an important step in progressing a high-quality student accommodation scheme that responds to the growing demand for on-campus living. We look forward to working closely with the University and wider project team to shape a design that prioritises sustainability, operational efficiency and, importantly, the overall student experience. This collaborative approach will be key to ensuring the development is well-positioned for successful delivery. Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Chief Operations Officer at University of Bath, said: This scheme is a landmark investment for the University in the year we celebrate our 60th birthday. We look forward to working with GRAHAM as our construction partner. GRAHAM demonstrated their alignment with our values and ambitions to create a high-quality scheme which will enable us to build on our global reputation for providing excellent student facilities. The appointment further strengthens GRAHAM’s track record in delivering high-quality student accommodation projects across the UK, supporting universities in creating modern, sustainable living environments that respond to evolving student needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

University of Staffordshire has opened bookings for its £100 million Student Village, marking a major milestone in a development set to transform the student experience and support the continued regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent. The scheme will provide around 1,000 rooms across a mix of new and refurbished accommodation and represents one of the most significant investments in student experience at the University in recent years. It also forms part of a wider programme of regeneration across the city, contributing to economic growth and strengthening Stoke-on-Trent as a place to live, study and work. Designed to offer modern, high-quality living, the Student Village, opening in September 2026, will feature en-suite accommodation across a range of formats including cluster blocks and townhouses. It will support a diverse student population, including undergraduates, postgraduates and returning students, with a focus on helping students feel settled, supported and part of a community from the outset. At the centre of the development will be a Village Hub, providing shared space for socialising, study and wellbeing. The Hub will host events and student-led activity, contributing to a vibrant and connected campus environment supported by the University’s ResLife team. Christina Matthews, Executive Director of Student Life at University of Staffordshire, said: “This is a major investment in the student experience and reflects our commitment to creating an environment where students can truly thrive. “The Student Village has been designed around the reality of student life, not just where students live, but how they build friendships and feel part of a community from day one. At the same time, it reflects the important role the University plays in the ongoing regeneration of Stoke-on-Trent.” The Student Village is located at the heart of the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus, close to teaching facilities, the nature reserve and transport links. It has been designed with safety and accessibility in mind, incorporating 24/7 security, controlled access and the SafeZone app. The development sits alongside other major investments in the city, including the £60 million Goods Yard development, the revitalisation of the historic Spode Works, and a £29 million programme to transform the railway station and surrounding gateway. Together, these developments are reshaping the city and reinforcing its appeal to students, residents and businesses. A student who has seen the development, Lucy Hughes, said: “The accommodation looks amazing and it feels like everything has been designed with students in mind. The University already has a great community feel, and this is only going to make that stronger. “It’s easy to imagine settling in quickly, meeting people and feeling part of something from the start.” To find out more about the accommodation, visit staffs.ac.uk/accommodation Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has been chosen by the University of Bath to advance proposals for a substantial purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project at its Claverton Down campus. Procured via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the appointment will see GRAHAM work with the University under a two-stage Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) to refine and develop the design ahead of the build phase. When finished, the scheme will provide 960 student bedrooms together with a suite of amenities to support wellbeing and campus life, including communal kitchens and social areas, study spaces, a games room, laundry facilities and flexible rooms for year-round use. Positioned on the eastern side of the campus, the development will feature a blend of en-suite cluster flats and townhouse-style accommodation, creating a varied, high-quality residential offer. The project aligns with the University’s goal of a healthy, sustainable and inclusive campus. GRAHAM will bring expertise in low-carbon construction and energy-efficient design to help realise these ambitions. The buildings are targeting high sustainability performance, including certification to Passivhaus principles, to cut energy demand and improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. Measures such as air source heat pumps and a fabric-first approach will reduce operational carbon and support the University’s wider net zero targets. The additional capacity is intended to increase on-campus provision for first-year students, addressing rising demand while enhancing the broader residential portfolio. Rod McMullan, Contracts Director at GRAHAM, said: “Securing this appointment with the University of Bath marks an important step in progressing a high-quality student accommodation scheme that responds to the growing demand for on-campus living. “We look forward to working closely with the University and wider project team to shape a design that prioritises sustainability, operational efficiency and, importantly, the overall student experience. This collaborative approach will be key to ensuring the development is well-positioned for successful delivery.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tiger Developments has started construction on a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Manchester. The development is located on Carmoor Road, within walking distance of the University of Manchester, and will provide 172 student bedrooms upon completion. Once finished, the building will be operated by Host, the student accommodation management arm of Tiger Developments and one of the UK’s largest providers in the sector. The project has a gross development value of £40 million and is being funded by Tiger Developments alongside its financing partner Hampshire Trust Bank. Construction is being delivered by GMI Construction Group, with completion scheduled for the 2027/28 academic year. Around 15% of the rooms will be offered at discounted market rent to support students from lower-income backgrounds. The development is targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, reflecting a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in its design and operation. The Carmoor Road scheme is positioned to meet rising demand for professionally managed student accommodation in Manchester, one of the UK’s largest university cities. It also forms part of Tiger Developments’ wider expansion strategy across major university locations, including two additional schemes currently underway in Bristol. John Nesbitt, Executive Director at Tiger Developments, said: “We are delighted to begin construction on our latest scheme in Manchester, a city that has strong demand for well-located student accommodation. This development reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable, thoughtfully designed homes for students, while also contributing positively to the local community. Through our trusted student housing brand Host, we look forward to welcoming students in time for the 2027/28 academic year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tiger Developments has begun construction on its latest purpose-built student accommodation development in Manchester, marking a significant addition to the city’s growing student housing market. Located on Carmoor Road within close walking distance of the University of Manchester, the new scheme will deliver 172-bedroom high-quality accommodation. On completion, the property will be managed by Host  the operational business of Tiger Developments and one of the largest providers of student accommodation in the UK.  The scheme has a gross development value of £40 million; the project is funded by Tiger Developments alongside funding partner Hampshire Trust Bank. Construction will be delivered by specialist main contractor GMI Construction Group, with completion scheduled for the 2027/28 academic year. To support affordability for students from lower income homes, around 15% of the rooms will be offered at discounted market rent. The development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. The Carmoor Road project is well-positioned to meet rising demand for professionally managed student housing in one of the UK’s largest university cities. It forms part of Tiger Developments’ continued expansion across key university cities in the UK, building on several other current developments, including two student accommodation schemes underway in Bristol. John Nesbitt, Executive Director at Tiger Developments, said: “We are delighted to begin construction on our latest scheme in Manchester, a city that has strong demand for well-located student accommodation. This development reflects our commitment to delivering sustainable, thoughtfully designed homes for students, while also contributing positively to the local community. Through our trusted student housing brand Host, we look forward to welcoming students in time for the 2027/28 academic year.”  Andrew Dignum from Hampshire Trust Bank commented: “We are pleased to support Tiger Developments in delivering this high-quality student housing scheme in Manchester. By combining our shared expertise and aligned vision, we are bringing forward a well-designed and sustainable development that responds to clear demand in one of the UK’s strongest student markets. This collaboration reflects our commitment to building long-term partnerships with experienced teams to create lasting value.” Phil Johnson, Regional Director at GMI Construction Group said: “Appointed as main contractor for this exciting new development in Manchester, we bring extensive experience delivering high-quality projects like these across the UK. We will work closely with Tiger Developments, focusing on delivering the scheme to our exacting standards throughout the construction phase.” Tiger Developments, part of the O’Flynn Group of companies, specialises in large-scale student accommodation, co-living and commercial spaces designed to help communities flourish. Since the early 1990s, the group has delivered and owned over £2 billion in property across the living sector. Working alongside its operating brand Host, it provides a vertically integrated offering to capital partners, including the refurbishment and management of existing assets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK, in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and leading infrastructure investor Equitix, has secured planning permission from the London Borough of Southwark for the transformative redevelopment of Bankside House. The new 1,945-bed student residence, located at 24 Sumner Street, SE1 – just steps from Tate Modern and the heart of Bankside’s cultural district – will break ground in 2027 and is scheduled to open before September 2032. The scheme represents one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation developments in central London replacing the existing mid-century office conversion with a landmark piece of civic architecture. The project will deliver high-quality, affordable student living and create new public amenities for the Bankside community. Addressing Student Need This significant investment directly supports LSE’s 2030 Strategy goal to offer 6,000 university-controlled bed spaces and guarantee an accommodation offer to every new first-year student. With over 12,000 full-time students, around 60% currently rely on London’s private rental market accommodation. The Bankside redevelopment will make a major contribution to closing this gap, easing housing pressure and supporting student access. Excellence in Development and Construction Bouygues UK is leading both the development and construction of this landmark project, drawing on its track record in sustainable, large-scale delivery in complex urban environments, in partnership with leading infrastructure investor Equitix. Bouygues UK’s team has managed the project from the outset: overseeing an international architectural competition, community and stakeholder engagement, and all planning processes, working closely with design partners Carmody Groarke and Sheppard Robson, as well as planning advisors Montagu Evans Planning, Heritage & Townscape, Viability and Socioeconomics The approved design features three stepped towers of 24, 26 and 28 storeys, linked by two low-rise pavilions, all arranged around generous landscaped courtyards. At ground level, new public routes and active frontages will seamlessly connect Sumner Street with the wider Bankside cultural quarter, creating an open, welcoming environment for students and the local community alike. Sustainability and Innovation Environmental performance is at the core of the development. The scheme targets BREEAM Excellent (with an aspiration for Outstanding), follows WELL principles for health and wellbeing, and aims for Passivhaus certification for operational energy performance. The building will be all-electric, with high-performance insulation and extensive rooftop solar panels, achieving exceptionally low operational energy use (45–55 kWh/m²/year). Bouygues UK will target more than 99% diversion of construction waste from landfill and ensure at least 20% of materials by value are recycled or reused. Through structural optimisation and careful façade specification, the project will minimise upfront embodied carbon, setting a new benchmark for sustainable construction in the sector. Affordable Living and Social Value All student rooms will be offered at sub-market rents, with 15% of bed spaces meeting the London Plan’s definition of Affordable Student Accommodation. A diverse range of room types and price points will broaden access to LSE and help relieve pressure on the wider London rental market. The development is also designed to deliver significant community benefits, including: Quotes “Securing planning permission for Bankside House is a landmark moment for Bouygues UK and for the student accommodation sector in London. In partnership with LSE and Equitix, we’ve developed a scheme that puts affordability, sustainability and community at its core. We’re proud of the role we have had in bringing this project from concept to consent, and we look forward to delivering a building that will stand as a genuine piece of civic architecture for generations to come.”Oliver Campbell, Managing Director, Development, Bouygues UK “This is the culmination of a ten-year engagement with the borough on the redevelopment of our Bankside residences. Working with the Southwark team we have crafted an affordable, sustainable and high-quality design which will make a significant contribution to the borough. The scheme’s civic offer is incredibly strong with genuine public access and community uses integrated within the building and we can’t wait to see LSE’s world class estate extended south of the river.” Julian Robinson, Director of Estates, London School of Economics and Political Science “LSE’s aim is to guarantee an offer of accommodation to all new, first year students. Securing planning permission for Bankside House is a major step forward towards our goal. Our team are extremely excited about the new scheme and what it will mean for LSE students. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the officers and Councillors in Southwark who have been so supportive of our vision for the site.”Ian Spencer, Director of Residential and Catering Services, London School of Economics and Political Science “Bankside House represents a new benchmark for socially impactful investment in central London and the London School of Economics’ role as an international centre of excellence. Securing planning approval is an important milestone for the project for all partners. Working alongside Bouygues and LSE, we remain committed to creating affordable, high‑quality student accommodation that will support the university, its students and the wider community for many years to come.”Hugh Crossley, CEO, Equitix “We are delighted that Southwark Borough Council has granted planning approval for LSE’s Bankside House. Conceived as three distinct yet connected houses, the project will provide an important new home for the LSE student community while contributing a confident addition to London’s river skyline. At ground level, a series of pavilions open the site to the city, strengthening the public realm and creating a welcoming threshold between LSE, the Bankside and the wider urban context. On a student scale, we wanted every room – both spatially and climatically – to be a genuinely good room, meeting Passivhaus standards and setting a new benchmark for sustainable design. We look forward to progressing the project in close collaboration with our partners, Bouygues UK, Equitix and LSE.”Rupert Goddard, Partner at Sheppard Robson and Rowan Seaford, Director at Carmody Groarke Next steps With planning permission now secured, Bouygues UK will progress detailed construction planning work, including its gateway 2 submission. The new Bankside House is scheduled to open before September 2032, ready to welcome its first cohort of students at the start