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

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

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

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

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

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

McLaren Construction Midlands and North has successfully delivered the £30 million student accommodation scheme, St Gabriel’s Court, in Manchester. Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the 321-bed development will enhance the city’s student housing provision while significantly contributing to the regeneration of the local area. Located at Oxford Place, adjacent to Oxford Road and south of the city centre, the two-acre site is close to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University campuses. The scheme, which broke ground in summer 2023, is now fully complete, and has welcomed students studying at Manchester’s universities to their new home. Designed to complement and enhance 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. The development faced complex logistical challenges due to its tight, street-facing site and a ‘just-in-time’ delivery system was implemented to manage these constraints. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) were key to the build including precast concrete retaining walls overclad with hand-laid bricks, bathroom pods for Blocks A and D, and prefabricated chimneys at Woodthorpe Hall finished with brick slips made from reclaimed site bricks. Blocks A and D were constructed using in-situ concrete framing with prefabricated stairs, and steel frame systems were used for the inner leaf of the external walls. Curtain walling was added to the upper levels of the new buildings while high-quality punched windows were installed throughout, using aluminium in the new builds and Block C and traditional timber sash and hinged windows in Block B.  The chapel’s gable window was also replaced with a new steel window and new brickwork in Blocks A and D was hand-laid with matching coursing using retained or reclaimed bricks wherever possible. The scheme also integrated ecological enhancements including bat, swift, and sparrow boxes built into the building façades, and bee posts in the landscaping. Designed with sustainability at its core, the development is targeting an BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating to Block A & D and ‘Very Good’ to Blocks B & C, with upgrades to insulation across retained structures and a modern energy centre installed in Block One. Sustainability was further supported with the installation of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of Blocks A, D, and the cycle store and mature trees along the site frontage were preserved enhancing the completed development’s landscape character. Throughout the build, McLaren Construction prioritised the use of local supply chain partners and maintained open communication with the community through regular newsletters and site updates. Darren Harding, Divisional Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said: “We are proud to have completed our delivery of this pivotal scheme in central Manchester. St Gabriel’s Court blends heritage refurbishment with modern construction to provide much-needed, high-quality student accommodation, diversifying the options for university goers in the heart of the city. This scheme is testament to our regional capability and commitment to sustainability.” David Atherton, Divisional Managing Director, McLaren Property, said: “The quality of the finished product speaks for itself, and the McLaren Construction team have done an excellent job getting this challenging construction project across the line. The buildings have been sensitively restored and whilst all bedrooms reflect the highest standards expected from modern student accommodation; the original character of the historic buildings continues to shine though. With students now fully settled in the new accommodation, this project represents a very pleasing result for all involved.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

McAleer & Rushe has been appointed as main contractor for a major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project on Tottenham High Road, marking another significant milestone in the regeneration of north London’s historic corridor. Known as The Printworks, the development will combine the restoration of listed heritage buildings with the construction of a contemporary new-build structure to the rear, creating a total of 287 student bedrooms. Eleven of these will be located within the refurbished period properties at 807 and 819–829 High Road, while 276 rooms will form part of the new modern extension behind them. The project is being delivered on behalf of High Road West (Tottenham) Limited, a vehicle established by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, and will provide high-quality, sustainable living spaces designed to support student wellbeing and community life. The scheme’s design balances respect for Tottenham’s architectural character with forward-looking sustainability measures. The retained façades will preserve the distinctive local streetscape, while the new construction will introduce energy-efficient systems, modern communal areas, and landscaped outdoor spaces. The combination of heritage conservation and contemporary student housing reflects a wider trend across London’s urban regeneration areas, where adaptive reuse and low-carbon design are driving investment in education-focused developments. Mark Diamond, senior director at McAleer & Rushe, said the company was proud to bring its expertise to such a significant project.“We’re thrilled to be delivering The Printworks, a landmark scheme that showcases our expertise in creating high-quality, sustainable student accommodation while celebrating and preserving local heritage. This development marks an exciting new chapter in the regeneration of Tottenham High Road, and we’re proud to be contributing much-needed student homes and modern spaces that enhance wellbeing and community for future generations.” McAleer & Rushe has a strong track record in the PBSA sector, with several large-scale university and private accommodation schemes across the UK and Ireland. The Printworks adds to its growing London portfolio and represents another example of the contractor’s ability to deliver complex urban projects that combine conservation, sustainability, and community value. Once complete, the development will not only meet the rising demand for student housing in the capital but also play a key role in revitalising one of Tottenham’s most historic streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winvic Construction Ltd, a leading main contractor that specialises in the design and delivery of private and public sector construction and civil engineering projects, has completed works on a Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds city centre. The 548-bed project – named Threadworks – delivered on behalf of client CASL Lisbon Street, is located on the corner of Lisbon Street and Castle Street and is part of the wider redevelopment of the former International Swimming Pool site. The development was managed jointly by DLC Europe and Colliers, with Employer’s Agent role undertaken by KS4. The 24-storey single tower block – built to BREEAM Excellent – provides single occupancy and en-suite bedrooms together with shared amenities such as cinema rooms, a fitness centre, relaxation spaces, a games room and a TV lounge. Students also benefit from a 1,593 sq ft roof terrace on the first floor. During construction, Winvic introduced an innovation to reduce the carbon impact associated with hot works by replacing gas fired boilers for electric alternatives. This approach not only cut emissions but also improved safety by eliminating open flames, with the boilers’ in-built technology preventing element overheating. Throughout the project, Winvic promoted cross-contractor collaboration on the wider four-plot development, which includes build-to-rent apartments, hotel, and commercial spaces. In line with Winvic’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in communities where it works, the contractor developed an Employment and Skills Plan to maximise Social Value. Working with supply chain partners and education providers, Winvic generated new employment and training opportunities, ran career talks and work experience programmes, and supported apprenticeships. 134 new jobs were created during construction, with a strong focus on local recruitment. Nine local people who were new to the industry were supported into work, while five veterans gained employment in engineering and electrical roles, with a sixth supported into training and employment as a window fitter through supply chain partner Unique Windows. Three local apprentices were recruited, while 30 existing apprenticeships were sustained through the project. Further outreach included career workshops in local schools and colleges, and the donation of 50 books to a local primary school ensuring each child in the class could take a book home on World Book Day. In addition, Winvic’s Trainee Site Manager signed up to support delivery of Leeds City Council’s Apprenticeship Academy. Winvic also built partnerships with local charities and community groups, raising funds for Zarach, which provides beds for children affected by bed poverty, donating £250 to Leeds Community Wood Recycling to expand employment and volunteering opportunities, and supplying hygiene products alongside an on-site clothes bank for homelessness charity St George’s Crypt. Mark Jones, Managing Director of Multi-Room at Winvic Construction, said:“Winvic is proud to have been the trusted partner of CASL and the scheme’s fund, to deliver this landmark PBSA development in the heart of Leeds. With its close proximity to the city’s two main university campuses and Leeds train station, it provides students with a vibrant and well-connected place to live.” Students have now moved into the scheme ready for the 2025/2026 academic year. Join Winvic on social media – LinkedIn, and Instagram. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals