McLaren Property has formally appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North as main contractor for its landmark Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. The scheme represents the second major collaboration between the two McLaren divisions in the city, following their partnership on the St Gabriels Court project. Early works on the site are already well advanced, with both tower cranes now fully installed. Ground clearance and preparatory works have been completed, along with the installation of temporary site facilities. Piling works have also concluded, with 219 piles installed and concrete bases formed to support the two residential buildings and the cranes. The project team is targeting the assembly of slip-form rigs before the Christmas period, allowing the concrete frame works to begin early in the new year. The £160 million Upper Brook Street development will be forward funded by L&G and will deliver purpose-built student accommodation comprising approximately 272,854 square feet across two buildings of nine and 23 storeys. The scheme will provide 737 student bedspaces, including 288 studios and 449 cluster bedrooms, alongside a range of shared amenities such as a gym, fitness studio, and collaborative study and social spaces. Located just south-east of Manchester city centre near the University of Manchester, the development sits within the Oxford Road Corridor, an area widely recognised as a growing hub for students, education and research. The scheme will also incorporate a community facility, café and new accessible public realm, including the planting of new trees. Extensive hard and soft landscaping is planned to create enhanced public spaces for residents and the surrounding community. Sustainability is a key focus, with the development targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and Platinum WiredScore ratings. Modern methods of construction will play a central role in delivery, including a full concrete frame and fully unitised prefabricated concrete panels with integrated brickwork and windows. Off-site manufactured bathroom pods by Walker Modular will also be used to improve efficiency and quality. Completion of the project is scheduled in time for the 2028 academic year. In addition to its technical and environmental objectives, the development places strong emphasis on social value, with the project team working alongside local community groups and the Salvation Army to deliver initiatives that exceed contractual commitments. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this important scheme in the heart of Manchester. Upper Brook Street represents not only a significant investment in the city’s student living offer but also an opportunity to showcase high-quality construction, modern methods of delivery, and meaningful social value.” David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director at McLaren Property, said: “This is the second project we are delivering alongside McLaren Construction in Manchester. We are excited to bring forward another best-in-class student accommodation development, adding to our strong pipeline across the UK. As we move into the delivery phrase, all those involved in the project are fully focused on completing an exemplary building, one that the McLaren teams and the city can be very proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Property, the leading residential and student accommodation developer, have formally appointed McLaren Construction Midlands and North as main contractor for the landmark Upper Brook Street student accommodation development in Manchester. The project marks the second major scheme in the city where the two McLaren divisions are collaborating, following their successful partnership on St Gabriels Court. Early works have been progressing at pace, with both tower cranes now fully installed onsite. Ground clearance and preparation works are complete, alongside the installation of temporary site facilities. Piling has also concluded with 219 piles installed and concrete bases formed to support the two new residential buildings and cranes. The team aims to have slip-form rigs assembled before the Christmas period, enabling the concrete frame to commence early in the new year. McLaren Property’s £160m Upper Brook Street development will be forward funded by L&G, a leading direct investor, lender, developer, and operator in residential real estate, with the partnership delivering the purpose-built student accommodation scheme, comprising c.272,854 sq ft across two buildings of 9-storey and 23-storeys, totalling 737 student bedspaces (288 studios and 449 cluster bedrooms) along with a range of shared amenities including a gym, fitness studio and collaborative study and social spaces. Upper Brook Street is just south-east of Manchester city centre, near the Russell Group’s University of Manchester and is part of the Oxford Road Corridor. It is widely acknowledged as a growing hub for students and research. The new student accommodation building will include a community facility, café and new accessible public realm with new trees, and a commitment to achieve high levels of sustainability to include BREEAM excellent, EPC A and Platinum Wired Score ratings. Extensive hard and soft landscaping will create new public realm for residents and the surrounding community. Modern methods of construction will play a central role in the build, and the project incorporates a full concrete frame with fully unitised prefabricated concrete panels, complete with integrated brickwork and windows to drive efficiency and quality. Bathroom pods manufactured off-site by Walker Modular will further streamline delivery. The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent and an EPC A rating, with completion set in time for the 2028 academic year. Alongside its technical and environmental ambitions, the scheme places strong emphasis on social value and the project team is partnering with local community groups and the Salvation Army to deliver initiatives that exceed contractual social value commitments. Luke Arnold, Regional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are delighted to be appointed to deliver this important scheme in the heart of Manchester. Upper Brook Street represents not only a significant investment in the city’s student living offer but also an opportunity to showcase high-quality construction, modern methods of delivery, and meaningful social value.” David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director at McLaren Property, said: “This is the second project we are delivering alongside McLaren Construction in Manchester. We are excited to bring forward another best-in-class student accommodation development, adding to our strong pipeline across the UK.  As we move into the delivery phrase, all those involved in the project are fully focused on completing an exemplary building, one that the McLaren teams and the city can be very proud of.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Watkin Jones has acquired a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development site in Bristol as part of its joint venture with Maslow Capital, marking the second transaction between the two firms. The scheme, located on Malago Road, will deliver 484 student beds across three blocks and is expected to reach a gross development value of £101.7m once stabilised. The site sits approximately 100 metres from Bedminster train station and is an 11-minute walk from the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus. The development will comprise a mix of studio apartments and 40 non-ensuite rooms, with part of the accommodation nominated by the University of Bristol. In line with Watkin Jones’ sustainability strategy, the project is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC B and WiredScore Silver ratings. Bristol is widely regarded as one of the UK’s strongest student cities, supported by a large and growing student population, strong transport links and a well-established cultural and leisure offering. The city’s appeal to both domestic and international students continues to underpin demand for high-quality, purpose-built accommodation. The acquisition follows the partners’ first joint venture project, The Ard in Glasgow, and highlights Watkin Jones’ continued strategy of working with institutional capital to deliver large-scale PBSA schemes in key university markets. George Dyer, Group Investment Director at Watkin Jones, said: “This transaction with Maslow Capital, our second collaboration together, demonstrates the strength of our proposition and the quality of our PBSA offering across the UK. “Bristol has firmly established itself as a destination of choice for students, and we’re delighted to deliver a sustainable, high-quality scheme, supporting the City and University’s growing student population.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Specialist student accommodation developer IQ has received planning approval to demolish the former Blackfriars Crown Court in Southwark and replace it with a £100m purpose-built student living scheme. The proposals will transform the long-derelict site on Loman Street into a development of 600 student rooms alongside 71 affordable homes. The disused post-war complex on Pocock Street was originally constructed as a printworks for HM Stationery Office before later becoming Blackfriars Crown Court, which closed its doors in 2019. Since then, the building has remained empty, aside from a brief appearance as a filming location for the Netflix series Top Boy. IQ’s plans will see the structure demolished to make way for three new blocks rising to around nine storeys. Southwark Council’s decision grants the developer full consent for a comprehensive redevelopment of the site, replacing an earlier adaptive-reuse concept brought forward in 2020 by previous owner Fabrix with architectural designs by Studio RHE. That earlier vision, known as Roots in the Sky, proposed retaining the existing 1950s structure and adding new upper floors to accommodate offices, leisure uses, retail and a striking rooftop garden complete with pavilions and a glass-bottomed pool. The 430,000 sq ft project had been due to be built by Mace. Under IQ’s ownership, the strategy has shifted decisively towards delivering much-needed student accommodation and affordable homes. The approved plans introduce two new blocks arranged around a landscaped pedestrian route designed to reconnect Loman Street and Pocock Street, improving permeability and strengthening links within the neighbourhood. A dedicated residential block will deliver 71 homes for social rent, including street-facing duplexes to activate the frontage and contribute to a more vibrant streetscape. Deck-access upper levels will ensure the homes are dual aspect, enhancing natural light and ventilation. The student accommodation block takes inspiration from local warehouse and brick-built architecture, featuring textured façades, strong horizontal detailing and an open ground floor that provides views into shared gardens and communal areas. The design aims to complement the area’s character while creating a contemporary living environment for students. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, following further procurement activity. The redevelopment marks a major step in bringing a long-vacant site back into productive use, while helping to meet growing demand for student and affordable housing in central London. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Downing has secured Building Safety Regulator Gateway 2 approval for its student accommodation development on Heber Street in Newcastle city centre, marking a significant milestone in the final phase of its Downing Plaza masterplan. The approval clears the way for construction to begin, with Downing now planning to start work on site in March 2026. The scheme will deliver 411 student bedrooms, comprising 303 self-contained studio apartments and 20 cluster units. The cluster accommodation will include one three-bedroom, nine five-bedroom and 10 six-bedroom apartments, each with shared kitchen, living and dining facilities. The development will also feature a range of internal amenity spaces, ancillary accommodation and landscaped external gardens, designed to provide a high-quality living environment for students in the heart of the city. Designed by architectural practice Simpson Haugh, the scheme will consist of a single building formed of three distinct sections rising to 10, 12 and 14 storeys. The development is targeting a BREEAM Excellent sustainability rating, with a number of energy-efficient and environmentally focused design features incorporated. The Heber Street project represents the final stage of Downing Plaza, a major regeneration scheme on the former Newcastle and Brown Brewery site. Earlier phases of the masterplan have already delivered teaching facilities for Newcastle University Business School, more than 1,800 student bedrooms, a 183-bedroom hotel and substantial retail space. Commenting on the approval, David Jenkinson, Development Manager at Downing, said: “Securing Gateway 2 approval is a major step forward for our Heber Street development, and we’re delighted to now be moving towards a start on site. Heber Street is one of several exciting projects in our pipeline as we accelerate our strategy across key UK cities including Manchester, Bristol, Leeds, Glasgow and London. We’re eager to bring this latest scheme to life, creating a modern, inspiring home for Newcastle’s growing student community.” Downing submitted its Gateway 2 application in February 2025, with the original aim of starting construction later that year and welcoming students from September 2027. However, regulatory delays meant the approval process took 42 weeks, with consent granted on 27 November. As a result, both the construction start date and the anticipated occupation date have been pushed back by one year. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Major progress has been confirmed at SOYO Block D, which marks Moda Living’s first purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development. This phase is a significant step forward for the wider SOYO neighbourhood, which is one of Yorkshire’s largest residential-led regeneration projects. Located in the heart of Leeds, on the south side of York Road, SOYO is a £300 million neighbourhood being developed by property and construction specialists Caddick. This latest stage is being delivered through a joint venture between Aermont and Moda, with debt funding from BGO. SOYO Block D will bring a vibrant student offering to an established cultural quarter of the city, which is already home to key institutions including: Leeds Playhouse, BBC, Leeds Conservatoire, and Northern Ballet. The development will deliver 291 bedrooms, supported by resident amenities such as a 24-hour gym, a rooftop terrace, and dedicated study spaces. Completion is scheduled ahead of the 2027–2028 academic year. This construction update follows the completion of nearby build-to-rent (BTR) residential buildings, including Madison East, Mercer West, and Moda New York Square, which together now provide homes to over a thousand residents. Rachel Groves, Project Director at Moda Living, said they look forward to providing students with “accessible and sustainable accommodation that meets the needs of the next generation.” Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director of Caddick Construction Yorkshire & North East, commented: “The pace and quality of our progress at Block D represent the energy and drive behind the new SOYO neighbourhood, and its place as a landmark destination for culture and community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, alongside client AG South Plaza B.V and developer Melburg, has celebrated a key construction milestone at 360 Bristol, a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development located on Marlborough Street in the heart of the city. The project team and partners – including IESIS, structural engineer HEXA, and architect ECE Westworks – came together on the 30th October for a topping out ceremony to celebrate a major milestone – completion of the building’s structure, a significant step in transforming the former 1960s office block into a 10-storey, 399-bedroom sustainable student living community. Works officially began in August 2024, with enabling works taking place ahead of the main construction phase, which commenced in May 2025.  Scheduled for completion in summer 2026, the development will provide a mix of studio and cluster bedrooms, featuring shared kitchens, a gym, cinema, karaoke, content rooms, games lounge, study spaces, yoga and Zumba rooms, and extensive outdoor areas for socialising. Outdoor amenity space includes an accessible terrace on the 10th floor and ground floor external areas on the podium over the existing basement. Basement parking and cycle storage have also been retained throughout the works. Remedial repairs to the existing structural frame have been undertaken including fire protection enhancements, and three additional upper floors have been constructed to provide additional living spaces. The project also delivers significant fire safety improvements in line with the requirements of the Building Safety Act. This sustainable design and delivery approach reflects the shared values of Winvic, AG South Plaza B.V, and Melburg, championing responsible regeneration within the PBSA sector whilst delivering significant sustainable improvements such as 3,500 tonnes of lifetime carbon savings, 1,500% biodiversity net gains, EPC A and BREEAM “Excellent” ratings. Delivered by Winvic under the Gateway 2 process, 360 Bristol is the contractor’s first project to progress through the new regime, underscoring its commitment to quality, collaboration, and building safety. The scheme is delivering meaningful social value through employment, education and community engagement. Two site visits have been held so far, one in partnership with The Restore Trust and O’Neill and Brennan hosting 15 unemployed learners, and another for T Level students from IBK Academy, where one student will be completing their industry placement on site. Creating inclusive employment opportunities, Winvic is piloting the Standing Tall programme, supporting an individual who was homeless into employment. Over 50 local employees (within 30 miles) are working on the project, which is also set to deliver over 200 training weeks for both new and existing staff, including members of the supply chain. Working alongside Winvic Construction for the scheme are Employer’s Agent and project manager – IESIS, Architect – ECE Westworks, Structural and Civil Engineer – HEXA and M&E consultant – BOX 20. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction Ltd, said: “Reaching the topping out milestone at 360 Bristol is an exciting step forward for the project team. This scheme perfectly demonstrates how intelligent design and collaborative delivery can bring new life to existing structures – reducing embodied carbon and contributing to a more sustainable built environment. “It also marks our first project delivered through the Gateway 2 process, highlighting our commitment to building safety, quality, and partnership. I’d like to thank our client and project partners for their continued collaboration. Together, we are delivering a landmark building that will enhance Bristol’s student experience and stand as a benchmark for sustainable urban redevelopment.” Andrew Burns, Head of Asset and development at Melberg, said: “We are incredibly proud to see 360 Bristol reach this significant milestone. From the outset, our vision was to create a vibrant, inclusive community that not only meets the evolving needs of students but also sets new standards for sustainability and wellbeing. By retaining and enhancing the existing structure, we have dramatically reduced embodied carbon, while our commitment to EPC A and BREEAM ‘Excellent’ ratings ensures the building’s long-term environmental performance. The extensive amenity offer—from social spaces and wellness rooms to accessible outdoor terraces – reflects our belief that great places to live should also support personal growth and community connection. We look forward to welcoming students in September 2026 to a development that truly raises the bar for sustainable urban living in Bristol.” Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction has been appointed main contractor for a £130 million build to rent development in Birmingham, as developers McLaren Living and Heim Global Investor press ahead with their latest joint venture. The scheme, known as Oasis, will bring 456 new rental homes to Kent Street in Birmingham city centre. It is being forward funded by Heim Global Investor, with McLaren Living leading development and Winvic overseeing construction. This marks the second collaboration between Heim and McLaren Living, following their ongoing Water Lane project in Leeds’ South Bank regeneration area, where a 375 home build to rent development is currently under construction and scheduled to complete in 2027. Oasis will comprise one and two bedroom apartments within an eleven storey building, supported by a range of resident amenities including a gym, lounge and co working space. Outdoor facilities will feature a landscaped courtyard and roof terraces. The development is expected to complete in 2029. McLaren Living managing director Matthew Biddle said:“Following our successful collaboration with Heim on Water Lane in Leeds, we are delighted to build on our trusted partnership and add to our strong pipeline of projects across the UK’s best locations and cities. Oasis, with its city centre location, local amenities and strong transport links, is a great addition to our portfolio. We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Heim and collaborating on developments where we share a clear vision.” Heim Global Investor director David Peacock said:“We are pleased to continue our partnership with McLaren Living, alongside Winvic Construction, to deploy further capital for our UK build to core fund. This development fits perfectly with our strategy of delivering mid market rental homes across the UK’s key cities with experienced partners. We remain very active in the market and have a strong pipeline of opportunities as we continue to expand our presence in the UK.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd has completed the Threadworks Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre, delivering 548 beds as part of the redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The project, commissioned by CASL Lisbon Street, is located at the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street and was managed by DLC Europe and Colliers, with KS4 serving as Employer’s Agent. The 24-storey tower, built to BREEAM Excellent standards, offers single occupancy en-suite bedrooms alongside shared amenities including cinema rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation spaces, a games room, a TV lounge, and a 1,593 sq ft roof terrace on the first floor. During construction, Winvic introduced an innovation to reduce carbon impact by replacing gas-fired boilers with electric alternatives. This not only cut emissions but also improved safety by removing open flames, with the boilers’ technology preventing element overheating. Winvic also promoted collaboration across the wider four-plot development, which includes build-to-rent apartments, a hotel, and commercial spaces. In line with its commitment to leaving a positive local legacy, Winvic implemented an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise social value. The project created 134 new jobs, emphasising local recruitment. Nine local people entering the industry for the first time were supported into work, five veterans gained roles in engineering and electrical trades, and a sixth joined as a trainee window fitter through supply chain partner Unique Windows. Three local apprentices were recruited and 30 existing apprenticeships were sustained. Additional outreach included career workshops in schools and colleges and the donation of 50 books to a local primary school for World Book Day. Winvic’s Trainee Site Manager also joined Leeds City Council’s Apprenticeship Academy to support further training opportunities. The company partnered with local charities, raising funds for Zarach, donating £250 to Leeds Community Wood Recycling, and providing hygiene products and an on-site clothes bank for homelessness charity St George’s Crypt. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals