HG Construction has secured a £76 million contract to deliver a major student accommodation and affordable housing development at Bollo Yard in South Acton, West London. Appointed by developer Hurlington Capital, HG Construction will deliver two residential blocks close to Acton Town station, combining a 21-storey student tower with a separate affordable housing building. The development will provide 429 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) beds alongside 95 affordable homes, creating a significant new mixed-tenure residential scheme in the London Borough of Ealing. Construction is moving forward following Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, an increasingly important milestone for higher-risk residential developments before building work can commence. HG Construction secured Gateway 2 approval for Block AB in just 22 weeks, enabling the contractor and development team to progress into the main construction phase. The project has been supported by a £112 million development finance package secured by Hurlington Capital and its joint venture partner V-Fund. Ealing Council has separately agreed a £29 million deal to acquire all 95 affordable homes, which will be made available at social rent. The combination of purpose-built student accommodation and social housing provides the scheme with a diverse residential mix, while its location close to Acton Town Underground station offers strong public transport connections across West London and into central London. HG Construction will draw on a number of its in-house specialist businesses during delivery, including its piling, crane, mechanical and electrical and offsite pod operations. The integrated approach will give the contractor greater control over several key construction packages while supporting coordination across the high-rise development. DMWR Architects is leading the technical design for Bollo Yard, while KS4 is providing project management, cost consultancy and employer’s agent services. The project adds to a growing pipeline of purpose-built student accommodation being delivered across London as developers respond to continued demand for professionally managed student housing. Importantly, the South Acton development will also deliver a substantial package of new social rented homes alongside the student accommodation. For HG Construction, the £76 million contract further strengthens its presence in the capital’s high-rise residential and PBSA markets, with the contractor bringing its specialist construction and offsite capabilities to another complex urban development. With regulatory approval and development finance now secured, Bollo Yard is set to transform the South Acton site with more than 500 new student and affordable homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Offsite light gauge steel frame took the superstructure of the £100m Stoke-on-Trent scheme from start to finish in 32 weeks NATIONAL tier one contractor Willmott Dixon has completed the new Student Village at the University of Staffordshire, a 1000-bed development in Stoke-on-Trent whose superstructure was delivered in 32 weeks using an offsite light gauge steel frame system. The £100 million scheme has been delivered under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate (DBFO) model by a consortium of Willmott Dixon, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, Plenary and Pinnacle Group, working with the university. Project and industry partners were given a preview of the completed village ahead of the first residents moving in for the new academic year. The modern methods of construction (MMC) strategy centred on a fully integrated light gauge steel frame (LGSF) solution, manufactured offsite and assembled on site across six residential buildings. As well as compressing the superstructure programme to 32 weeks, the approach held manufacturing tolerances to 5mm across the development. At the centre of the site is a £12 million student hub, designed to be net zero carbon in operation. Across four levels it provides individual and group study areas, social and welfare facilities, a landscaped garden lounge and a double-height events hall. A new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk will link the village to the university’s wider Leek Road site, where demolition will make way for accessible parkland targeting a 12% biodiversity net gain. The 1000-bed development also included the refurbishment of 300 rooms at The Swan Building, upgrading the living space and installing low-energy systems to improve the block’s energy performance. The work was programmed over the summer months so that the university retained its accommodation capacity and avoided any loss of room income. The DBFO model allows the university to spread the cost over a 50-year period while retaining flexibility during construction. Early engagement between the consortium and the university meant the scheme was delivered for the same £100 million agreed at the outset, with the entry cost and the exit cost matching. The project has also delivered wider social value for the local area, including 1,000 students engaged through education programmes, 500 weeks of careers support, community volunteering and charity initiatives and mental health awareness campaigns with Lighthouse Charity. Dan Doyle, delivery director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The ambition here was never simply to build more accommodation. It was to create an inclusive student community, with sustainable, future-ready buildings on a campus that attracts and retains students, and to support the university’s long-term plans for sustainability, wellbeing and growth. “Getting the superstructure up in 32 weeks came from taking the offsite decision early and holding to it, and that same early engagement is why the university has paid what it expected to pay. Pace and cost certainty together are what universities are asking of us.” Steve Rimell, chief financial officer at the University of Staffordshire, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the Student Village project, and as CFO I am particularly pleased that it was delivered on time and on budget. The student hub is going to be extremely impactful for student amenities and wellbeing, and as a way of connecting the accommodation with our main campus. “Our students were involved from the start, helping to shape the design from the early stages, allowing us to create a new space for them that prioritises community, inclusion and wellbeing.” Ian Prescott, managing director (UK) at HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, said: “The opening of the Student Village is the culmination of a fantastic partnership and a shared ambition to create an outstanding place for students to live. “Together, we’ve delivered a sustainable, modern development that will enhance the student experience for years to come while creating a lasting asset for the University and the wider Stoke-on-Trent community.” Dan Doyle continued: “This scheme is a strong example of what is possible when universities, developers and delivery partners come together with a shared vision and a collaborative approach.” The Student Village adds to Willmott Dixon’s higher and further education portfolio, which includes two major projects for Queen Mary University of London, the £48.8m School of Business and Management and the retrofit and extension of its Information Teaching Laboratory, the £19.3m first phase of Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys Campus redevelopment in Newport, and Bridgend College’s net zero in operation town centre campus. The student village will welcome its first residents in time for the new student intake in September 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bouygues UK has completed Phase 4 of Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, East London, delivering 375 purpose-built student accommodation rooms ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. The development is delivered through a joint venture between Crosstree Real Estate Partners and Bouygues UK’s Development arm, with Bouygues UK also acting as main contractor. The project was designed by community-focused architect PRP with interiors by Holloway Li. Rising 10 storeys, the new development provides a range of en-suite rooms and fully equipped studios. Residents will have access to an extensive suite of amenities, including communal lounges, landscaped roof terraces, dedicated study areas, a fully equipped gym, meeting rooms, and a staffed reception with parcel room. The scheme has been designed to promote student wellbeing, community and social interaction, with well-lit, airy spaces and a combination of formal and informal areas. The landscaped public realm has been developed alongside the architectural and urban design proposals to create a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable setting. Phase 4 is the penultimate phase of the £650 million Hallsville Quarter masterplan, a long-term regeneration programme transforming Canning Town in the London Borough of Newham in partnership with Bouygues UK. The wider development provides more than 1,100 private and affordable homes, over 30,000 sq metres of leisure and retail space, a hotel, and generous public spaces including a playground designed by Landscape Projects. Sustainability was central to the project’s delivery, with Bouygues UK adopting a low-carbon construction approach that helped the scheme achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. Fully prefabricated bathroom pods reduced construction waste and improved efficiency on site, while Bouygues UK’s self-delivery of the concrete frame and selected internal finishes supported stronger quality control, programme efficiency, and a reduced overall carbon footprint. Bouygues UK has also placed significant emphasis on social value throughout the development. Initiatives have included paid roles for University of East London engineering master’s students, apprenticeships and employment-support programmes delivered in partnership with Newham Works, work-experience placements for local schools, CV-writing workshops, mock interviews, and local volunteering and charity activities. The new development will be operated by ARK Living under the trading name ARK Canning Town, marking the brand’s first dedicated student residence. ARK Canning Town forms part of ARK Living’s growing portfolio of co-living and student residences across London. Drawing on ARK’s established community-focused approach to urban living, the development combines thoughtfully designed private and shared spaces with dedicated on-site teams and a year-round events calendar to encourage socialization and community engagement. Oliver Campbell, Managing Director, Bouygues UK’s Development team said “The completion of Phase 4 marks an important milestone for Hallsville Quarter and for the regeneration of Canning Town. We are proud to have worked alongside Crosstree Real Estate Partners, PRP Architects, and the wider project team to deliver high-quality student accommodation that combines excellent facilities, sustainable construction and a strong connection to the surrounding neighbourhood. “As students prepare to move in for the 2026/2027 academic year, this new development will contribute to a vibrant and well-connected town centre, while the wider Hallsville Quarter Masterplan continues to deliver lasting benefits for Newham.” Pascal Lux, Managing Director, Bouygues UK London & South East commented: “Completing Phase 4 ahead of the academic year reflects the strength of our construction team and our commitment to integrated delivery. Self-delivering the frame and selected finishing trades in combination with prefabricated elements allowed us to maintain tight quality control while reducing waste and carbon impact. This proves that programme efficiency and sustainability go hand in hand.” Robert Alam, Managing Director at ARK Living comments “ARK Canning Town marks an exciting milestone for us as our first dedicated student residence and an important step in the continued growth of ARK Living. From the outset, our ambition has been to provide a high-quality student living experience, where great design, wellbeing and community all come together under one roof. ‘The building has been designed around how students live today, balancing private studios with places for study, exercise and socialization. Our extensive community events programme and dedicated on-site team will help students settle into London and meet new people, whilst making the most of university life.’ Bouygues UK’s development team has been active in the sector since 2010, delivering 30 projects with a combined gross development value (GDV) of £2 billion and construction activity totalling £1.6 billion. To date, the team has delivered 9,535 student beds across London and the wider UK, establishing Bouygues UK as one of the sector’s most experienced developers. This track record reflects the company’s growing ambitions in student accommodation, with Bouygues UK recently securing planning permission for Bankside House – a landmark 1,945-bed student residence for the London School of Economics (LSE), in partnership with Equitix, set to become one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation schemes in central London.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

NatWest has provided a £190 million green development facility to urbanest to support the delivery of urbanest Albert Embankment, a landmark 897-bed PBSA development in Vauxhall, London. Situated on Albert Embankment on the South Bank of the River Thames, the development will consist of two connected towers of 30 and 27 storeys, providing students with high quality, sustainable accommodation in one of the UK’s strongest and most supply-constrained student accommodation markets. urbanest, one of London’s leading PBSA developers and operators, is delivering the scheme in partnership with main contractor Midgard. Construction is expected to complete in summer 2029 and open to students for the 2029-30 academic year, with demolition work complete and main works underway following Gateway 2 approval. Once complete, the scheme will provide best-in-class student living experience, featuring extensive resident amenities, a café and dedicated community space for a local dance school, creating a lasting benefit for both students and the surrounding Vauxhall community. The project is targeting both Passivhaus and BREEAM Outstanding certification, reflecting a shared commitment between NatWest and urbanest to delivering sustainable buildings that are fit for the future and support long-term growth. Alongside the delivery of new student accommodation, the development will support the continued growth of the local area by increasing housing provision for students in a well-established London location. The transaction builds on the longstanding relationship between NatWest and urbanest and demonstrates NatWest’s continued commitment to supporting the development of high-quality PBSA assets in markets where student demand remains robust and accommodation supply remains constrained. Eirini Kalamara, Director in the Residential team at NatWest, said: ” We are delighted to support urbanest with the delivery of Albert Embankment, which will create world-class, sustainable accommodation for students while supporting the local economy. “Through the Growing Together campaign, we’re helping to unlock infrastructure developments that strengthen local economies while creating sustainable places for people to live, learn and thrive. We’re proud to support urbanest in delivering a landmark project that will have a positive impact for London, its universities and the communities around it for years to come.” Paul Anderson, Group Treasurer at urbanest, said: “As London continues to attract students from across the world, the need for high-quality, sustainable accommodation has never been greater. urbanest Albert Embankment represents a major investment to support the future of the capital’s higher education sector and will provide almost 900 students with an outstanding place to call home. We are proud to be working with NatWest to bring this vision to life. Together, we’re delivering a development that will support London’s universities, contribute to the local economy and further urbanest’s position in setting  the standard for  sustainable student living.” Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth said: “It’s great to see NatWest funding new student accommodation in the city. Good quality, affordable housing is essential to ensure students from the UK and beyond can study in London and enjoy everything our amazing city has to offer. “London is a global city with some of the best universities in the world. Our excellent higher education facilities support hundreds of thousands of students each year, enabling them to gain the skills they need to start their careers and helping to drive London’s growth. This new housing will benefit the local community as well as improve the student experience of those living there and is a great example of how private companies can help us as we continue to build fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.” NatWest was advised by Norton Rose and Knight Frank on the financing, while urbanest was advised by Pinsent Masons. Following the opening of urbanest Canary Wharf this September, urbanest Albert Embankment will become the company’s eleventh operational asset in central London, taking its portfolio to over 7,000 student beds. About urbanest Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major mixed-use development could reshape part of the Greenwich Peninsula after developer Tribe submitted plans for two high-rise towers that would deliver student accommodation, co-living homes and affordable housing close to the Silvertown Tunnel. Designed by CJCT, the proposed scheme would transform a vacant site on Millennium Way into a high-density residential development, contributing new homes and purpose-built student accommodation within one of London’s fastest-growing regeneration areas. The plans include a 27-storey tower providing 673 purpose-built student bedrooms alongside a 23-storey building comprising 380 co-living homes. An additional 80 affordable homes also form part of the wider development, helping to support Greenwich’s housing requirements while responding to increasing demand for flexible urban living. Located adjacent to the Silvertown Tunnel approach roads and opposite the former gasholder site, the development occupies a strategic location within the wider Greenwich Peninsula regeneration programme, where thousands of new homes, commercial buildings and public spaces are planned. Planning documents submitted with the application highlight a significant shortage of student accommodation across the area, identifying a deficit of 1,871 student bedspaces within the wider catchment and around 581 within Greenwich itself, even after taking account of schemes currently in the pipeline. The proposals have also received support from Ravensbourne University, which has stated that demand for student accommodation remains exceptionally strong, reinforcing the need for additional high-quality housing for students studying in southeast London. For the construction and property sectors, the development reflects the continued growth of London’s purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and co-living markets, with developers increasingly delivering mixed-tenure schemes that combine student housing, residential accommodation and affordable homes within a single masterplan. The Tribe proposals are the latest in a series of significant developments planned across the Greenwich Peninsula. Nearby projects include Scape’s proposed three-tower student accommodation scheme on the former gasholder site, Fairview’s revised plans for Boord Street and Knight Dragon’s wider masterplan, which includes around 1,000 student bedrooms alongside extensive residential, commercial and leisure development. Together, these projects demonstrate the growing importance of the Greenwich Peninsula as one of London’s leading regeneration locations, where investment in residential-led mixed-use developments continues to support housing delivery, educational growth and long-term economic regeneration. If approved, the latest scheme would add further momentum to the transformation of the Peninsula, creating a diverse mix of accommodation while strengthening the area’s role as a major destination for students, residents and investment within the capital. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

London’s ability to deliver 31,500 new purpose-built student bedrooms over the next decade will depend on boroughs applying the Draft London Plan’s new targets flexibly, according to planning and development consultancy Lichfields. The draft Plan introduces individual purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) targets for London boroughs for the first time, giving local authorities a clearer role in planning where new schemes should be delivered. The approach gives PBSA a clearer place within London’s housing strategy, recognising its role in supporting the capital’s universities and easing pressure on the private rented sector. For the targets to translate into the delivery of new accommodation, boroughs will need to treat them as a basis for delivery rather than a fixed limit, with enough flexibility to respond to changes in student demand, universities’ growth strategies and development viability. Jonathan Hoban, Associate Director in Lichfields’ London office, said: “The introduction of borough-level targets gives local authorities a much clearer basis on which to plan for student accommodation. “PBSA is an important part of London’s housing mix, supporting the capital’s universities while reducing the number of students competing for homes in the wider private rented market. “The key is ensuring that the targets support delivery without becoming an artificial limit. Demand will change over the lifetime of the Plan, so boroughs will need to provide sufficient flexibility to consider suitable schemes where there is clear evidence of demand.” The Draft London Plan requires boroughs to meet local student accommodation needs and create opportunities for new development. PBSA would also continue to contribute towards general housing delivery, with every 2.5 student bedrooms counted as one home. Local plans should, however, avoid relying on a limited number of sites allocated specifically for student housing. Allowing PBSA on a wider range of suitable residential sites would give councils and developers more scope to respond to changing demand. Hoban added: “Student accommodation requirements and development conditions can change more quickly than local plans. A broader approach to site allocation would allow proposals to be assessed against the evidence available at the time, rather than restricting delivery to a fixed list of locations.” The draft policy states that new schemes should generally be within around 30 minutes’ travel of a university campus and have good access to public transport, services and facilities. Boroughs could also introduce policies to manage concentrations of student housing where these affect mixed and inclusive communities. The Plan also proposes greater choice over how PBSA developments contribute towards affordable housing. Developers could provide affordable student rooms, combine a reduced proportion of affordable student accommodation with a payment towards conventional affordable housing, or deliver conventional affordable homes. Hoban said: “The wider choice of affordable housing options is a constructive step. Different sites and operators face different circumstances, and greater flexibility should make it easier to agree an approach that supports delivery and helps meet London’s affordable housing objectives. “The Draft Plan gives PBSA clearer strategic status. The detail will now be important in helping boroughs turn those targets into new accommodation.” The consultation on the Draft London Plan closes at 5pm on 15 October 2026. For more information, visit: https://lichfields.uk/blog/2026/july/27/pbsa-in-london-becoming-a-strategic-housing-target Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Prospective students can now get an early glimpse of life at The Propeller Quarter, with newly released images revealing the premium student accommodation at Brabazon.  With many school leavers currently waiting on A-Level results and the start of university clearing on 13th August, YTL Developments  has confirmed that The Propeller Quarter is ready to welcome hundreds of students from September.  The new images showcase the modern, affordable student homes and social spaces including bedrooms, shared living and dining spaces, gym and the main entrance. Two residential buildings built by YTL Construction UK, using a range of innovative off-site solutions, will open at the start of this academic year, providing 745 beds for students studying in Bristol and the South West.  A further two residential buildings are due to open in the following academic year, taking the total number of beds to more than 1,500. When fully complete, The Propeller Quarter from YTL Developments will be one of the largest purpose-built student accommodation options in the UK, taking pressure off Bristol’s private rental market, where large numbers of shared student houses can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods.  Rooms currently start from £180 per week, offering students a more affordable option in a city where accommodation costs continue to be a major consideration when choosing where to study.  The Propeller Quarter is minutes from UWE Frenchay and has transport links to all major Bristol Campuses – including the new University of Bristol Enterprise Campus – via the brand-new Bristol Brabazon train station, which is opening in Autumn this year.  Dedicated Metrobus services are already running through Brabazon.  Students can choose from fully furnished shared ensuite cluster flats, private studios and accessible rooms, with utilities and high-speed internet included.  Shared social amenities feature dedicated study areas, an onsite gym, outdoor wellbeing spaces, a cinema lounge, karaoke and gaming rooms, music and content creation studios.   Students will be part of the growing lifestyle at Brabazon as the most exciting new city district in the South West – from pop-up food destinations and padel courts to immersive golf experiences and an exciting food and drink quarter coming early next year. The nearby Spitfire Hangar community hub, home to Mokoko Bakery, hosts regular events and social activities, while Cribbs Causeway is just a short distance away.   Future residents will also be among the first to experience the wider transformation of Brabazon, including live music at the new Aviva Arena, a 20,000-capacity venue currently under construction.  Jon McDiarmid, Director of Sales and Marketing at YTL Developments, said:  “It’s fantastic to see The Propeller Quarter taking shape ahead of welcoming its first students this September. We know that finding good-quality accommodation that offers value for money is a key consideration for students and their families, and The Propeller Quarter has been designed to provide exactly that.  “As well as modern, affordable accommodation, students will be part of an exciting new neighbourhood with excellent transport links, high-quality facilities and a range of amenities on their doorstep.”  Prospective students can find out more at prestigestudentliving.com.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Watkin Jones has secured £60 million of new contracts, strengthening its project pipeline as demand continues to grow for the refurbishment, fire safety remediation and modernisation of purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) across the UK. The residential developer and asset manager has signed six new contracts during the second half of its financial year, with five awarded through its specialist Refresh division, which focuses on upgrading existing student accommodation assets through refurbishment, remediation and compliance-led improvement works. The projects span Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Glasgow, covering approximately 1,750 student beds and reflecting increasing investment across the sector to improve the quality, safety and long-term performance of existing accommodation. Alongside the retrofit programme, Watkin Jones has also partnered with Marick Real Estate to deliver a new Staycity aparthotel development in Oxford city centre, further broadening its activity across the living and hospitality sectors. The latest contracts underline a growing trend within the PBSA market, where investors are increasingly prioritising the enhancement of existing assets rather than solely pursuing new-build developments. Fire safety improvements, sustainability upgrades, energy efficiency measures and operational enhancements are becoming key drivers of investment as owners seek to extend building lifecycles while meeting evolving regulatory requirements and occupier expectations. Watkin Jones said the newly secured projects have been agreed at margins consistent with previous guidance, providing greater visibility over future revenues while supporting its strategy to diversify the business beyond traditional development activity. The company has also taken proactive steps to manage cost pressures by bringing forward procurement of selected subcontract packages and key construction materials, helping to reduce exposure to inflation and supply chain volatility. Despite the positive momentum, the company acknowledged that wider market conditions remain challenging. Ongoing uncertainty within real estate investment markets and slower transaction activity continue to influence the pace of recovery across the sector. Chief Executive Alex Pease said: “While market conditions remain challenging and continue to impact the pace of recovery and short-term real estate transaction liquidity, the long-term fundamentals of our end markets remain attractive. “The signing of six new contracts, with a combined value of £60 million at margins in line with guidance, signals further progress of our strategy to diversify the business, allowing us to strengthen our secured pipeline and enhance future revenue predictability.” For the construction and property sectors, the latest contract wins highlight the growing importance of retrofit within the UK’s living sector. As rising construction costs continue to affect the viability of some new developments, investment is increasingly being directed towards upgrading existing buildings, improving fire safety compliance, enhancing sustainability credentials and extending the operational life of residential assets. With demand for high-quality student accommodation remaining resilient in many university cities, refurbishment and asset optimisation are expected to play an increasingly significant role in the evolution of the UK’s PBSA market over the coming years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The UK’s largest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) provider is embarking on a major strategic overhaul, with plans to dispose of up to 20,000 student beds while warning that rising construction costs are threatening the delivery of new developments across the sector. Unite Group has confirmed it intends to streamline its portfolio, reducing its holdings from around 72,000 beds to approximately 55,000 beds across 20 key university cities. The move follows its acquisition of Empiric and reflects a growing focus on the UK’s highest-performing universities, where student demand continues to strengthen despite wider challenges facing the higher education sector. The company has already completed around £190 million of property disposals this year and now expects total sales to reach approximately £400 million, with proceeds supporting its wider investment strategy and share buyback programme. The portfolio reshaping comes at a time when many universities are facing financial pressures and softer student demand, particularly outside the country’s leading institutions. In contrast, applications to so-called high-tariff universities continue to grow, prompting Unite to concentrate future investment around locations with stronger long-term occupancy prospects. Alongside its portfolio review, Unite has issued a stark warning over the future pipeline of student accommodation developments, highlighting that soaring construction costs, more stringent building regulations and weaker investment values have made many new schemes financially unviable. According to the company, developments outside London now require weekly rents of more than £300 to achieve acceptable returns, compared with Unite’s current average regional rent of around £190 per week. The same economic pressures are also affecting the Build-to-Rent sector, where viability challenges are slowing the delivery of new residential developments across many parts of the UK. Despite these headwinds, Unite expects demand for high-quality student accommodation to remain resilient. A combination of fewer new developments, older PBSA schemes leaving the market and continued reductions in private rented housing available to students is expected to tighten supply over the coming years. Construction activity continues on two major off-campus developments. Hawthorne House in Stratford, providing 719 student beds, has now reached practical completion and is awaiting Building Safety Regulator approval before opening for the 2026/27 academic year. Meanwhile, the 934-bed Central Quay development in Glasgow remains on schedule for completion in 2027. The company is also reviewing plans for a further 2,400 consented beds across London and Bristol, with options including revised funding arrangements, joint venture partners or potential disposal depending on market conditions. Future growth is expected to be increasingly focused on partnerships with universities themselves. Unite has already committed to delivering more than 4,300 additional student beds through on-campus joint ventures, including the Castle Leazes redevelopment in Newcastle and Cambridge Hall in Manchester. For the construction and property sectors, Unite’s latest strategy reflects the changing dynamics of the PBSA market. While demand for student accommodation remains robust in key university locations, escalating construction costs, tighter regulatory requirements and shifting investment returns are reshaping development priorities, with greater emphasis on long-term partnerships, asset optimisation and selective investment in high-demand markets. The company also confirmed it expects to invest a further £61 million in fire safety remediation works over the next two years as part of its ongoing building improvement programme. Unite anticipates recovering between 50% and 75% of total cladding remediation costs through claims against contractors, although reimbursements are expected to follow after the remediation works have been completed. As the sector adapts to changing economic conditions, Unite’s strategy signals a significant shift towards portfolio quality over scale, reinforcing the importance of targeting resilient university markets while navigating one of the most challenging development environments the PBSA sector has experienced in recent years. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

HG Construction has secured two significant purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) contracts, further strengthening its position within one of the UK’s fastest-growing residential sectors. Appointed by Fusion Group as main contractor, the company will deliver major student living developments in Cardiff and Loughborough, adding to its expanding national portfolio. The latest appointments continue HG Construction’s strategic growth across the UK, where the contractor is currently delivering residential and PBSA developments in more than ten towns and cities, including London, Manchester, Leeds and Bristol. The Cardiff development at Longcross Court will transform a prominent urban site into a modern 17-storey student accommodation scheme. Designed to provide high-quality living environments in a sustainable city-centre location, the project will contribute to Cardiff’s growing student housing provision while making more effective use of an underutilised site. Meanwhile, in Loughborough, HG Construction will regenerate a derelict brownfield site adjacent to the Grand Union Canal Basin. The eight-storey development will deliver purpose-built student accommodation alongside a range of resident amenities, landscaped courtyards and attractive garden spaces, creating a well-connected and vibrant student community. For the construction sector, both schemes demonstrate the continued demand for high-quality PBSA developments as university cities seek to meet increasing student accommodation requirements through sustainable regeneration. The projects also highlight the importance of brownfield redevelopment in supporting housing delivery while reducing pressure on greenfield land. Beyond the residential buildings themselves, the developments will incorporate high-quality landscaping and public realm, reflecting the growing emphasis on placemaking, resident wellbeing and the creation of attractive, community-focused environments. Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer of HG Construction, said securing the two projects represented another important milestone in the company’s national expansion, adding that its continued growth was built on strong collaboration with partners who share a commitment to delivering exceptional living spaces and lasting benefits for local communities. Paul Miles, Group Construction Director at Fusion Group, said HG Construction had demonstrated its capability in delivering complex student accommodation projects, making the contractor a natural choice for both developments. He added that the Cardiff and Loughborough schemes would transform underused sites into high-quality residential environments with a strong emphasis on placemaking, long-term value and positive community impact. As investment in the UK’s student accommodation market continues, the latest projects reinforce the role of specialist contractors and developers in delivering sustainable, well-designed PBSA schemes that support both university growth and wider urban regeneration Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals