A landmark stage has been reached in the construction of a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Silverthorne Lane, Bristol, with project stakeholders including StudioHIVE, HG Construction, Woh Hup, Far East Orchard and Atlas Land coming together to celebrate the milestone at a topping out ceremony. Silverthorne Lane Plot 6 will comprise 706 student rooms including cluster bedrooms and studio rooms along with high quality amenity spaces. The development forms an integral part of the regeneration of land off Silverthorne Lane, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ). The scheme is split over four blocks ranging from five to 15 storeys high, with blocks being interconnected in pairs. A landscaped external courtyard at the centre has been designed to create an important meeting place for students, comprising sports and games facilities along with quieter areas for relaxation. David Munce, construction director, HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be reaching this important milestone and I would like to recognise the project team for their commitment and hard work to date. “This is our first scheme in Bristol and we have been getting actively involved in the local community, from educational talks at schools and site visits for students, to providing support for local community centres, we are committed to making a positive impact throughout the construction of this scheme and beyond. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with StudioHIVE and our project partners as the scheme progresses.” Jason Collard, managing director at StudioHIVE, said: “We are excited to have reached such an important milestone in the development of this quality student offering in central Bristol. “With a high proportion – around 30 per cent – of the accommodation being studio flats and the remainder smaller clusters limited to eight rooms, along with facilities including a cinema room, gym and sports facilities, the scheme will offer students a premium experience right in the heart of the city.”    StudioHIVE is working in partnership with Far East Orchard, Woh Hup and Atlas Land who acquired the site in June 2022 as part of the wider Silverthorne Lane masterplan. The scheme is well located for the nearby Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus as well as key transport hubs and will benefit from the proposed improvements to pedestrian and cycle connections through Silverthorne Lane to the wider Temple Quarter. It is expected to complete in 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Stelling Properties has announced the start of its largest and most ambitious project to date, a landmark student living development at 119 High Street, Southampton. The £20 million project will deliver 257 student studios, significantly expanding Stelling’s previous developments to meet the growing demand from the city’s student population. The development is set to be the company’s most sustainable and energy-efficient student accommodation to date, incorporating numerous environmental features. Located in Southampton’s Old Town Quarter, within a conservation area and close to several listed historic buildings, the project has been designed by Stelling’s in-house architectural team to complement and enhance the local cityscape. The new facility will replace two outdated 1960s commercial buildings and will consist of three blocks ranging from three to six storeys. The development aims to provide high-quality, modern student accommodation in the heart of the city. This latest development follows the success of Stelling’s multi-award-winning Bargate House project, also in Southampton, which regenerated a derelict site on the High Street. Like Bargate House, the new student accommodation at 119 High Street will be operated by leading student living provider, Unilife. The scheme will offer a mix of one- and two-bed studios of various sizes, including apartment clusters with communal kitchens. The high-specification private living spaces will be complemented by extensive shared amenities designed to encourage social interaction and enhance the student experience. These will include a gym, study areas, lounge spaces, gourmet dining room, karaoke room, meeting hub with a coffee station, individual meeting rooms, games room, and laundry facilities. Demolition work has already begun at the site, and preparations for archaeological excavations are underway. A concrete podium will be constructed at ground floor level to accommodate the shared social amenities. In total, 263 steel-framed modular units will be manufactured and craned into position, with the entire development expected to be completed by Spring 2026. The first students are set to move in for the start of the 2026 academic year. As part of its offsite construction innovation, Stelling will also install the building’s façade finishes at its factory, further reducing onsite work and demonstrating its commitment to cutting-edge, efficient construction methods. The exterior design of the scheme has been carefully considered to blend with the surrounding historic and listed buildings, featuring light stone-effect cladding and red brickwork to complement the area’s architectural heritage. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Commercial real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has passed a major milestone at its purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leith Walk, Edinburgh, with completion of the building’s substructure. Ogilvie Construction has been appointed to deliver the six-storey block, which will create high quality accommodation for 230 students when it completes next year. The development includes construction of a single storey block adjacent to the main building, which will provide laundry facilities, a gym, cinema, and cycle store, as well as an electricity substation to power the buildings. Donald MacDonald, Managing Director, Ogilvie Construction, said: “Site operations started in October with the demolition of the previous structure and the project has made excellent progress since then. With the completion of the ground slab substructure, the next phase of the build will see the columns rising as we complete each storey of the new building. This is our 15th student accommodation project in recent years, and we look forward to handing over a first-class facility to Firethorn Trust next year.” Paul Martin, Development Director at Firethorn Trust, said: “As the first PBSA scheme within our Living portfolio, Leith Walk reflects our ambition to meet growing demand for modern student housing in prime university cities across the UK. “With a shared commitment to quality, alongside the strength of its local expertise, Ogilvie Construction is perfectly positioned to deliver our vision for the development, which has been designed to meet the highest sustainability standards, while providing a vibrant community for students to thrive.” Work is expected to complete in time for the 2026/27 academic year. Ogilvie Construction is part of the Ogilvie Group, one of Scotland’s most consistently successful family-owned businesses.  The company is over 65 years old and employs 600 people across its various business operations in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Study Inn is delighted to announce the completion of its Brotherton House development in Leeds. The second phase of the project, opened and occupied in September 2024, brings the total to 385 high-quality rooms complemented by state-of-the-art amenities. Winning the 2024 Property Week Health and Wellbeing Award and being voted Best Student Accommodation in Leeds at the 2024 Student Crowd Voice Awards further cements Study Inn’s reputation as a groundbreaking market leader in the sector. Brotherton House was originally built for Lord Brotherton’s Chemical company in 1956. The historic building was purchased by J Pullans & Sons, the Leeds based property management, investment and development business in 2012 and a Joint Venture partnership was formed with Study Inn to transform this iconic building into modern, purpose-built student accommodation in 2022. This first phase created 163 rooms whilst preserving the site’s historic character and introduced cutting-edge facilities, designed to provide an unparalleled student living experience. The second phase, comprising a 15-storey new build alongside Brotherton House, has added 222 additional rooms. The scheme offers a choice between en-suite serviced apartments and serviced studios. Residents benefit from amenities such as a wellness spa, gym, yoga studio, bowling lanes, cinema lounge, and dedicated study areas, all designed to foster a sense of community and enhance student well-being. Sustainability was a key focus throughout the project, with the development incorporating innovative features such as photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps to minimise its environmental impact. Study Inn also carried out off-site highway improvements, enhancing the surrounding area for the wider community’s benefit. Simon Liversage, Managing Director of Developments at Study Inn Group, commented: “We design, develop, and operate our schemes with our in-house, integrated team. ESG is a top priority for us, and we take it seriously in everything we do. This development highlights our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while delivering exceptional accommodation that prioritises both sustainability and an outstanding resident experience. This award-winning project reflects the dedication and hard work of our team.” Mark Pullan, Managing Director of J Pullans & Sons, commented: “We’re proud to have helped bring new life to Brotherton House, ensuring this landmark building continues to serve future generations. Working with Study Inn Group on this redevelopment aligns with our focus on sustainable, long-term projects that benefit both the building and the wider community.” Brotherton House provides residents with an all-inclusive, premium living experience just minutes from the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the city centre. Study Inn is looking for new opportunities to expand its portfolio in key UK cities. Jack Jefferson, Acquisitions Director at Study Inn, commented: “The demand for high-quality student accommodation is stronger than ever, and our in-house expertise enables us to deliver state-of-the-art developments that enhance the student experience. We are keen to identify new sites and are offering up to 2.5% as an introduction fee for suitable opportunities.”Contact Jack Jefferson at jj@studyinn.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McLaren Construction Midlands and North is making significant strides in delivering a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation development on Talbot Street, Nottingham. The £25.8m project, located at 77 Talbot Road, is on track to welcome students in September 2025, with works progressing well. Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the development replaces a five-storey office block formerly occupied by Domestic and General, which relocated to a new development on Station Street, enabling them to further invest and remain in Nottingham. The demolition of the previous structure commenced in April 2023, with construction underway since September. The nine-storey building will include premium amenities including a gym, yoga room and social study spaces, alongside en-suite bedrooms designed to provide high-quality living standards. An entertainment room is also being built on the Wollaton ground floor which will include a cinema. The uppermost level of the building will feature premium studio apartments with larger footprints and exceptional views across Nottingham, offering a standout experience for students. With sustainability at the forefront of operations, the scheme is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, incorporating features including traditional foundations into Nottingham’s sandstone bedrock and adhering to rigorous planning conditions such as cave probing to protect the local environment. Key milestones in the project include the completion of the roof structure, marking significant progress towards the scheme’s 2025 completion, and the marketing suite was officially opened in autumn on Talbot Street – offering a dedicated space where prospective students can view the high-quality finishes and amenities that will be available. Internally, the accommodation has seen enhancements to its finishes, including feature walls and upgraded soft furnishings, which will elevate the overall living experience. McLaren Construction is deeply committed to sustainability and social value, and around 40% of workforce for Talbot Street was sourced locally. Working in close collaboration with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, the project team has supported work experience placements and hosted two visits for civil engineering students. The first visit showcased health and safety and aspects of working on a live site, and the second visit focussed on the technical aspects of the project, such as design, its intent, and how the planning phase develops into live construction. The students were delighted to learn directly from colleagues in the industry about roles in which they aspire to join in the future. For the local community, McLaren has been proactive in maintaining an open dialogue with nearby businesses, providing a dedicated email address for enquiries, and carefully managing construction logistics to minimise disruption. The team is also working with the city council to provide new outdoor staff facilities for Huntingdon Academy. The Talbot Street team has supported charitable initiatives, raising £406 for the Lighthouse Charity through the Nottingham Half Marathon and participating in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. A mental health talk by the Strong Men charity focusing on bereavement and support for construction workers was held last year, with plans for another session in early 2025. As the project progresses, key targets include completing internal finishes, installing furniture and carpets to the top floors, and removing scaffolding to reveal the brick and cladding façade. External paving works are set to be completed by summer, ensuring the project is ready for student intake in September. The Talbot Street development promises to deliver high-quality, modern accommodation tailored to meet the needs of Nottingham’s thriving student community while leaving a positive legacy for the local area. Darren Harding, Division Director at McLaren Construction, said, “The Talbot Street project is progressing exceptionally well, and we are proud to be delivering high-quality, sustainable accommodation for students that will enhance Nottingham’s offering. “The completion of the roof and the opening of the marketing suite mark key achievements, and we are excited to continue bringing this ambitious development to life in the coming months.” McLaren Construction is delivering Talbot Street on behalf of McLaren Property, the leading residential and student accommodation developer. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Real estate investor, developer and asset manager, Firethorn Trust, has exchanged contracts with Curlew Capital’s CST2 Fund to acquire the Poland House development site in Stratford, East London. With planning permission to create modern, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), Firethorn will deliver 284 high-quality student beds at the site. Accompanied by generous amenities, including dedicated study spaces, common rooms, and a residents’ gym, the development will feature 35% affordable accommodation. A dedicated community space will also be delivered as part of the scheme. Designed by architects Henley Halebrown, Poland House will be developed to a target “outstanding” BREEAM rating, in line with Firethorn’s commitment to delivering sustainable, best-in-class assets. The site is the third PBSA asset within the growing Firethorn Living portfolio, following the acquisition of a 204-bed development in Hackney Wick last September, and a 230-bed scheme in Leith Walk, Edinburgh, where work is well underway. Marcus Weeks, Director and Head of Firethorn Living, commented: “With excellent connectivity in the heart of a thriving student community, which has been the focus of significant regeneration in recent years, Poland House is a high-quality addition to the Firethorn portfolio. “This acquisition reflects our ambition to deliver first class, energy efficient student accommodation in prime university locations, as demand for modern living spaces continues to outstrip supply. We are extremely well capitalised and actively seeking further opportunities in the Living market this year, including more PBSA and co-living sites in London and across the UK.” Situated on Stratford High Street, Poland House provides convenient access to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford High Street DLR Station and Stratford Station, and sits within a 15-minute walk of both University Arts London and UCL East. Work on site will commence later in 2025 with completion due for the 2028/2029 academic year.  Charlie Oliver, Managing Director of Curlew Capital, commented: “Our team has worked hard to successfully secure a planning consent to deliver best in class sustainability credentials and an excellent living and learning environment for the students who will live here, creating much needed high-quality accommodation.  Curlew Capital, Savills and CMS acted for the vendor, Walker Morris acted for Firethorn Trust. For more information, visit www.firethorntrust.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

TPG Angelo Gordon has teamed up with developer Hollybrook to invest in the UK’s student accommodation sector, with initial developments valued at £200m (€240m). The partnership’s first projects include a 271-bed student housing scheme in Wimbledon, currently under construction by Hollybrook and set for completion ahead of the 2026/27 academic year. A second 300-bed development in London is also in the pipeline, with acquisition plans underway. Designed to acquire, develop, and manage purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), the joint venture has an ambitious pipeline spanning both operational assets and development sites. The partners aim to secure planning permission for over 1,000 student beds by 2025. Valerie Cox, Director at Hollybrook, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with such a respected partner in TPG Angelo Gordon and look forward to acquiring a significant number of PBSA development sites in the coming years. The demand for high-quality student accommodation is clear, and we’re pleased that TPG Angelo Gordon shares our vision in this space.” John Parsons, VP at TPG Angelo Gordon, added: “We’re excited to complete the first in a series of transactions with our new student accommodation partner, Hollybrook. This venture aligns with our strategy of targeting supply-constrained student locations across the UK, catering to both domestic and international student demand.” With student accommodation in high demand and supply limited in key university cities, this partnership is set to play a crucial role in addressing the UK’s student housing shortfall. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals