Telford Living has submitted plans for a 520-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in East London’s Bethnal Green. The UK residential arm of CBRE-owned Trammell Crow Company has lodged a planning application with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the development on the former LEB Building site off Cambridge Heath Road. Designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, the proposed scheme will comprise a mix of cluster flats and self-contained studios, alongside dedicated student amenity space. Plans also include ground-floor community space and affordable retail units, shaped by pre-application discussions with local stakeholders. Alex Taylor, head of Telford Living, said there is clear and well-documented demand for dedicated student accommodation in this part of Tower Hamlets, given its proximity to major universities and strong transport links. He added that the 520 high-quality PBSA units would help meet this need while delivering a carefully considered building designed to integrate positively with the surrounding neighbourhood and contribute to wider regeneration benefits. The submission follows extensive pre-application engagement with both Tower Hamlets and the Greater London Authority. Telford Living is seeking to unlock another tightly constrained urban site at a time when funding pressures and viability challenges across the capital continue to intensify. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has secured a £286m contract to deliver the wholesale redevelopment of Cambridge Halls at Manchester Metropolitan University, a scheme being progressed through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. The long-term partnership will provide 2,302 new student bedrooms as part of a major upgrade of the campus. The existing 1990s accommodation will be demolished and replaced with two multi-storey buildings delivered in two phases, offering a mix of cluster apartments and studios alongside extensive internal and external amenity spaces. The plans include ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street to deepen connections between the university and the surrounding neighbourhood. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the buildings will reach up to 30 storeys and provide high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation. The development targets a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and features a highly efficient building envelope combined with low‑carbon, energy‑saving technologies. Air‑source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, low‑energy heat‑recovery ventilation and advanced intelligent building management systems are specified to significantly cut operational energy use and carbon emissions. Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “Cambridge Halls is a significant and complex regeneration project that will transform this part of the campus. We are proud to have been appointed to work with Manchester Metropolitan University and Unite Students to deliver high-quality, sustainable accommodation that supports student wellbeing and long-term performance. Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with all partners as the scheme moves forward.” Demolition is under way, with main construction due to start later this year. Phase one is scheduled to complete in 2029, followed by phase two in 2030. CGIs: Virtual Planit. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Abode Student has unveiled an £80 million purpose-built student accommodation portfolio spanning Birmingham and Nottingham, positioning affordability and location at the heart of its growth strategy for 2026 and beyond. The Manchester-based developer, led by founder Ashley Ladson, will deliver 525 beds across two schemes: a 317-bed development in Birmingham’s Knowledge Quarter and a 208-bed scheme in Nottingham, just three minutes’ walk from Nottingham Trent University. Rents will start from £175 per week in Birmingham and £198 per week in Nottingham, reflecting a deliberate focus on accessible pricing in prime Russell Group city markets. The investment case is equally compelling. The portfolio is targeting a 5.75 per cent net initial yield, rising to 6.2 per cent on practical completion, with projected occupancy levels exceeding 96 per cent. Nottingham is already forecasting 40 per cent pre-bookings 18 months ahead of opening, significantly outperforming regional averages and underlining demand for well-located, sensibly priced accommodation. Abode Student’s strategy responds to a noticeable shift in the PBSA sector. As students and families become more cost-conscious, proximity to campus is increasingly valued above high-end amenities. Ladson believes the opportunity lies in regional university cities rather than an increasingly saturated London market. “Students prioritise location over luxury,” he said. “They want accommodation that is within walking distance of campus and priced realistically. Our focus is on delivering exactly that, without compromising on design quality.” Central to this approach is a partnership with interior designer Miminat Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs. Together, they have developed a ‘Refined Durability’ philosophy, specifying long-lasting, high-performance materials that reduce maintenance cycles and lifecycle costs. The aim is to demonstrate that good design and affordability are not mutually exclusive. The two schemes, Abode Student Wireworks in Birmingham and Abode Student Leatherworks in Nottingham, have secured detailed planning consent, with construction scheduled to begin in November 2026 and completion targeted for September 2028. Christopher Dee LLP has been appointed to advise on funding. Sustainability also underpins the developments, which are targeting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A ratings. Measures include air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity net gain and green travel infrastructure. Looking ahead, Abode Student is pursuing further opportunities in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Bristol, signalling a broader regional expansion strategy anchored by strong university cities and enduring student demand. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Contractor Graham has secured the £286 million contract to redevelop the Cambridge Halls student campus for Manchester Metropolitan University, marking a major step forward in the transformation of the city’s student accommodation offer. The scheme, which will deliver more than 2,300 new student bedrooms, is being brought forward through a joint venture between the University and Unite Students. It represents one of the most significant higher education residential developments currently planned in Manchester. The project will involve the demolition of the existing 1990s-era accommodation to make way for two new multi-storey buildings rising to 30 storeys. Delivered across two phases, the development will provide a mix of cluster apartments and self-contained studios, alongside a range of internal and external amenity spaces designed to enhance student wellbeing and foster a strong sense of community. In addition to residential provision, the scheme will incorporate ground-floor commercial units and a new community health centre fronting Cambridge Street. This element is intended to strengthen connections between the campus and the surrounding neighbourhood, creating a more integrated and accessible urban environment. Designed by Cartwright Pickard, the development is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, reflecting a strong emphasis on sustainability and long-term environmental performance. The buildings will feature a highly thermally efficient fabric, supported by a comprehensive suite of low-carbon and energy-efficient technologies. Air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and low-energy heat recovery ventilation systems will be integrated with advanced intelligent building management systems. Together, these measures are expected to significantly reduce operational energy demand and carbon emissions over the lifecycle of the development. Stephen Van den Hoek, Regional Director at Graham, confirmed that construction is scheduled to commence later this year. Phase one is due for completion in 2029, with phase two following in 2030, reshaping this key gateway site and setting a new benchmark for sustainable student accommodation in Manchester. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

HG Construction has been named main contractor for a £73m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in Wembley for YourTRIBE, with works now under way. The development is the third PBSA scheme HG Construction has delivered for YourTRIBE, following a 250-bed project on Ilderton Road and a 226-bed scheme on Avonmouth Street, both in London. Situated near Wembley Stadium, the project will provide 609 student beds across two buildings. It comprises three blocks: a south element of 19 and 27 storeys delivering 409 rooms with amenity areas at basement, ground and first-floor levels; and a north block rising to 21 storeys with 200 rooms and amenity space at ground and first floors. Around 15,000 sq ft of commercial space is also included. Following Gateway 2 approval at the end of last year, construction has started, with completion targeted for summer 2028. HG Construction will draw on its self-delivery capabilities — including concrete frame, SFS, bathroom pods and drylining — to secure benefits in quality, programme and sustainability. Adam Quinn, Chief Executive Officer, HG Construction, said: “It’s a pleasure to be partnering with YourTRIBE on this striking new PBSA scheme in Wembley. We have a strong track record of successful collaboration, with our most recent scheme at Avonmouth Street delivered three months ahead of programme. We are proud to be supporting YourTRIBE in delivering high quality student accommodation schemes across London, particularly in areas with growing demand. With Gateway 2 approval secured, we look forward to progressing the scheme and maximising our social value contributions throughout construction.” Laurence Quail, Director of YourTRIBE said: “Our Wembley project marks a significant milestone for YourTRIBE representing the company’s largest scheme to date in both value and scale, highlighting its commitment to challenging the market and delivering high-quality, large-scale developments. The scheme has successfully secured the company’s first-ever Gateway 2 approval, a key regulatory achievement under the Building Safety Regime. “This milestone was made possible through the collaborative efforts of HG and the wider consultant team, who worked tirelessly to achieve approval. With Gateway 2 now secured, the project is set to move forward into the next phase of delivery. “YourTRIBE is delighted to be working once again with HG, building on a strong and trusted relationship developed over several years. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality, collaboration and excellence across complex residential projects.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed to deliver a £274m redevelopment of the Castle Leazes student accommodation campus in Newcastle, working with Unite Students and Newcastle University. The project has now secured Gateway 2 approval from the Building Safety Regulator, allowing construction to move forward on the replacement of the existing 1960s estate. The redevelopment will deliver 2,009 new student bedrooms across a collection of buildings ranging from two to nine storeys, creating a modern and future-ready student living environment. The Castle Leazes scheme marks Bowmer + Kirkland’s second major student accommodation project to achieve Gateway 2 approval this month, following clearance for a separate scheme in Bristol providing more than 500 beds. Designed by Norr Architects, the Newcastle development will be delivered in two phases. Phase one will provide 788 new student rooms, scheduled to be ready for the 2028/29 academic year. The remaining accommodation will follow in time for the 2029/30 intake, completing the full transformation of the campus. Demolition and enabling works began in June 2024, and Bowmer + Kirkland said the project has already generated £9.6m in social value. This includes local employment opportunities, regional supply chain spend, community initiatives and training programmes linked to the scheme. Ed Besford, regional director for the North East and Scotland at Bowmer + Kirkland, said Castle Leazes represents a landmark project for the city and highlighted the long-standing relationship with both Unite Students and Newcastle University. He added that securing Gateway 2 approval reflects the team’s commitment to meeting the highest safety and regulatory standards, marking the contractor’s third approval from the regulator in the past six months. The Newcastle appointment follows further success for Bowmer + Kirkland’s western team, which recently secured Gateway 2 sign-off for the Temple Reach PBSA scheme in Bristol. That 22-storey development will deliver 531 student rooms alongside 4,300 sq ft of workspace on a former industrial site near the River Avon, helping to connect the University of Bristol’s Enterprise Campus with the city’s waterfront. Together, the projects underline Bowmer + Kirkland’s growing presence in the purpose-built student accommodation sector across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Pullans has received full planning approval for a major new student living development at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre and has appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as the main contractor. The 14-storey building, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 student bedrooms comprising a mix of studios and cluster apartments. The scheme also includes a range of communal and amenity spaces designed to support wellbeing, social connection, and everyday student life. The project represents the single largest investment in Pullans’ 140-year history and marks the most significant evolution of the Joseph’s Well estate in more than 45 years. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a truly exciting milestone for Pullans. The Tower reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and to the future of Leeds.” Pullans is working with a multidisciplinary project team that includes Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, added: “We are delighted to be part of this landmark project in the heart of Leeds and look forward to delivering a building that will stand the test of time.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, and the city centre, The Tower is intended to address rising demand for professionally managed student accommodation. The development places sustainability at the centre of its design, incorporating energy-efficient systems and a balanced mix of social, study, and relaxation spaces to enhance the student experience while contributing positively to the wider Joseph’s Well community. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to see our vision for The Tower take such a major step forward. This building will be a fitting addition to the long and proud history of Joseph’s Well.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

J Pullan & Sons has secured planning approval and appointed McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East as main contractor for the Joseph’s Well student tower, launching a bold new chapter for the historic site. Full planning consent has been granted for a major new purpose-built student accommodation scheme at Joseph’s Well in Leeds city centre, marking the most significant transformation of the estate in over 45 years. The 14-storey development, known as The Tower, will deliver 256 high-quality student bedrooms in a mix of studios and cluster apartments, alongside premium communal and amenity spaces designed to support student wellbeing, collaboration and long-term operational performance. Christophe Demoulin, Contracts Manager at Pullans, said: “This consent marks a major milestone for Pullans. The Tower is the single largest investment in our 140-year history and reflects our long-term commitment to Joseph’s Well and the city of Leeds.” Alongside McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, the wider project team comprises Cunniff Design as architect, FutureServ as MEP consultant, Orion Fire as fire consultant, Roscoe as civil and structural engineer, and RBA as quantity surveyor and employer’s agent. Andrew Beaumont, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Yorkshire and North East, said: “This appointment represents a pivotal milestone for our Yorkshire and North East region and reinforces our strategic commitment to building a sustainable and relationship-driven business. With our broad experience and skilled team, we are well placed to deliver this landmark project for Pullans in the heart of Leeds city centre.” Located within walking distance of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the city centre, the scheme responds to Leeds’ growing demand for professionally managed, high-quality student living, helping to support the city’s continued status as one of the UK’s leading university destinations. Designed with sustainability at its heart, the building will incorporate modern, energy-efficient systems and a carefully balanced mix of social, study and relaxation spaces, enhancing the student experience while making a positive contribution to the wider Joseph’s Well estate and surrounding neighbourhood. Patrick Evers, Director at Cunniff Design, added: “We have been involved with this project from the very start, so it is incredibly rewarding to see our vision one step closer to being realised on site. Its efficient, contextual approach and commitment to technical innovation and build quality make it a fitting addition to the long history of this important site.” Joseph’s Well has played an important role in Leeds’ business landscape for nearly half a century. Acquired by Pullans in 1979, the former factory and mill was first converted into office space before a purpose-built headquarters was developed for Hammond Suddards in 1990. This latest phase represents a significant diversification of uses for the estate – the first major change since its original conversion some 45 years ago – signalling an exciting new chapter for this iconic Leeds destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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