Work to develop a £30 million student accommodation project at St Gabriel’s Court in Manchester is now complete. Located at Oxford Place, adjacent to Oxford Road and south of the city centre the work was carried out by McLaren Construction Midlands and North. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the 321-bed development will improve the city’s student housing provision. The two-acre site is close to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University campuses. Designed to improve the Victoria Park Conservation Area – St Gabriel’s Court is a mixture of refurbishment and new build works which included the renovation of St Gabriels Lodge, the 1963 chapel and Woodthorpe Hall, with an additional two new four and five storey buildings constructed at either end of the site. Overall, the scheme houses 321-bed spaces in a mix of cluster bedrooms (5-8 bed clusters), with a communal kitchen and living space, studio rooms, and amenity and ancillary spaces. The refurbished St Gabriel’s Lodge and Woodthorpe Hall contains the studios, cluster bedrooms are located in the new purpose-built student accommodation buildings, and the chapel has been refurbished to provide shared amenity space for residents. The original St Gabriels Lodge building to the east of the chapel was built in the 1850s and has been sensitively restored with the original stone façade, ornate chimneys and curved windows retained. Repairs were undertaken using specially sourced reclaimed brickwork and key features, including the main entrance doors, were refurbished. While the interior was modernised, key elements were preserved, and new amenity spaces were introduced. The 1963 Chapel, designed by modernist architects Reynolds and Scott, was restored to ensure that key architectural features are retained including the zig-zag canopy and the original south gable window, now replaced to match the original design. A circular stained-glass window on the north elevation has also been preserved and a statue of Christ was donated to St Hilda Church of England Church, Manchester. The boundary wall to Oxford Place was retained, repaired and widened with the addition of new gates. Woodthorpe Hall is a 1930s build designed in a neo-Georgian style and was formerly a women’s only hall of residence. As part of the restoration, the original brick façade was retained, and the elevations were renewed using existing materials. The grassed courtyard, a key feature of the original layout, has been modernised with additional paving to retain its character that includes two mature trees and surrounding hedgerows. Alongside the renovation work, the new buildings complement the site’s heritage with buff and red brick finishes, aluminium-framed glazing, and perforated aluminium screens. Works also included the construction of a sub-station, outbuildings and extensive external landscaping. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Viridis Living has secured a key milestone in the redevelopment of the University of Manchester’s Fallowfield Campus, with Manchester City Council granting Reserved Matters Planning Consent. The consortium, comprising Equitix, GRAHAM and Derwent FM, worked alongside the University, local community, and key stakeholders to gain approval for the detailed design, layout, and landscaping plans. The scheme will deliver up to 3,300 new student homes across Owens Park, Oak House and Woolton Hall, supported by a range of amenities, ancillary residences and extensive green infrastructure. Five distinct neighbourhoods will be created within the site, each drawing inspiration from Manchester’s cultural, sporting and musical heritage. The project is targeting both Passivhaus certification and a BREEAM Excellent rating. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including offsite manufacturing, will also be used to improve efficiency, cut waste, and accelerate delivery. In June 2025, Viridis Living became one of the first developers to submit an application to the new Building Safety Regulator, three months ahead of planning approval. This early step underlines the consortium’s focus on fire safety, compliance, and the timely delivery of student housing in the city. GRAHAM has led the planning process on behalf of the consortium, in collaboration with architects Sheppard Robson and planning consultants Deloitte. Commenting on the milestone, Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Project Director, said: “We’re delighted to reach this important milestone on a project of such scale and significance. The approved plans reflect our commitment to delivering a quality development that meets the evolving needs of students and the University.” Enabling works are already underway, with main construction set to begin in early 2026. The first phase of accommodation is scheduled for completion in 2026, with a phased handover continuing through to 2030. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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

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

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

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

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

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

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has completed the first phase of a £100m student accommodation development adjacent to the University of Warwick. Delivered on behalf of iQ Student Accommodation, the scheme has provided 572 new student beds, with a total of 1,078 bedrooms and 131 co-living rooms to be delivered across two phases. Phase two is scheduled for completion in spring 2026, in time for the 2025/26 academic year. The project, known as iQ Longwood Place, is being developed by Topland Group and McLaren Property. It replaces outdated office buildings and a former multi-storey car park, following the demolition of Avon House, Swift House, and associated structures. Nine new residential blocks are being constructed across the site, which also incorporates retail, leisure and community spaces. Gary Cramp, managing director of McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “It’s been a pleasure to see iQ Longwood Place take shape with phase one now reaching completion. This is a transformative scheme for Coventry and the student population of the University of Warwick – not only in terms of quality accommodation but also through our investment in sustainability, landscaping, and community benefit. We’ve worked hard to deliver the project safely and to the highest quality standard, and it’s a credit to all involved with iQ Longwood Place. We are looking forward to finishing the remaining phase by next spring.” McLaren has managed the scheme with a strong focus on sustainability, achieving a BREEAM Excellent rating. Measures have included recycling demolition materials, using the SmartWaste platform for waste management, and protecting the surrounding woodland and watercourses. High-specification landscaping, tree protection zones and green space enhancements form part of the design. Throughout delivery, McLaren has worked with Coventry City Council, local businesses and residents, providing on-site work placements and regular project updates. William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group, said: “iQ Longwood Place is the result of strong collaboration across the project team and stakeholders. We are proud to be playing our part in delivering a high-quality, purpose-built scheme that will support students and enhance the area for years to come.” Bruce Ruddle, divisional managing director for McLaren Property, added: “We’re thrilled to see phase one of iQ Longwood Place fully realised. The finished phase one demonstrates the power of effective partnership combining McLaren Construction’s technical delivery with the vision shared by Topland Group, iQ and ourselves.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals