Plans have been submitted to build additional student accommodation at The Island Quarter in Nottingham. The plans submitted to Nottingham City Council would see a further 383-space student block built on the Manvers Road side of the £1.5bn Island Quarter development. Combined with the 693 beds at the adjacent Winfield
Balfour Beatty has commenced construction of a new student accommodation project – the West Slope Residences – on behalf of The University of Sussex, having achieved Financial Close in December 2023. At Financial Close, Balfour Beatty Investments signed a 54 year contract to design, build, finance and maintain the new
Construction firm GRAHAM has been awarded a £70 million contract by property developer Bricks Group for the two-stage design and build Bendigo Building project in Nottingham. Operated by Bricks’ acclaimed management platform ‘true student,’ the development marks a noteworthy advancement in the realm of purpose-built student accommodation in Nottingham and
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands
Artisan Real Estate & Homes for Students to Develop 321 Self-Contained Apartments Ambitious proposals for high quality student accommodation in the heart of Glasgow city centre have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Award-winning developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme for Studio Hive in Bristol. Silverthorne Lane Plot 6 will comprise 706 student rooms including cluster bedrooms and studio rooms along with amenity spaces. The development will form an important part of the regeneration
Unite Students has started building work on its new £185 million property in Stratford, London. Hawthorne House is being built in Farthingale Walk, Stratford, and is replacing former office block Jubilee House, which has now been demolished. It will open in time for the 2026/27 academic year. The 36-storey property
Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, is set to build a new 600-bed development at the heart of Bristol’s biggest ever regeneration project. Marsh Mills, which has a total development cost of £75million, is to be constructed adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus,
Two purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects by Regal London have been given the go-ahead, bringing forward a total of 1,580 student beds and 200 on site affordable homes alongside new community space, public realm and infrastructure improvements in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Brent. Earlier this year, Regal London,
Study Inn, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, celebrated another milestone in its journey to 10,000 rooms with the Topping Out ceremony of its latest Leeds development. The event marked a crucial point in the construction of its new 15 storey tower building. The ceremony was attended
Plans have been submitted to build additional student accommodation at The Island Quarter in Nottingham. The plans submitted to Nottingham City Council would see a further 383-space student block built on the Manvers Road side of the £1.5bn Island Quarter development. Combined with the 693 beds at the adjacent Winfield Court – which main contractor Bowmer & Kirkland is expected to complete this summer – the 36-acre Island Quarter site will have a student population of more than a thousand if and when both phases are complete. The new proposals are from Day Architectural on behalf of developer The Conygar Investment Company, just like Winfield Court. They cover a range of accommodation types including cluster accommodation, studios and premium options, along with amenity facilities such as a gym, laundry room and various lounges. Following a similar material palette to Winfield Court, the designs combine grey, buff and red bricks on the building’s facade alongside ribbed metal cladding. Conygar property director Christopher Ware said: “The demand for student housing has never been greater. PBSA plays a vital role in ensuring that students have access to high-quality accommodation without the need to restrict housing supply that is better suited for Nottingham residents.” The new planning submission follows last May’s approval for a new 250,000 sq ft biosciences campus on the northern side of the site. Christopher Ware said: “Intergenerational living has been a core principle for our plans for The Island Quarter, and a healthy population of students is a crucial part of this mix. In a competitive marketplace, these well-designed plans put student experience at their heart, and we’re looking forward to seeing this phase move forward. “This latest proposal is one of a series of planning submissions currently in the pipeline, building on the success of the first phases of the development at 1 The Island Quarter and Winfield Court.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Balfour Beatty has commenced construction of a new student accommodation project – the West Slope Residences – on behalf of The University of Sussex, having achieved Financial Close in December 2023. At Financial Close, Balfour Beatty Investments signed a 54 year contract to design, build, finance and maintain the new accommodation. Balfour Beatty Investments will invest equity of £32 million, 81% of the project equity, with the University of Sussex acting as a co-investor providing the remaining 19%. In addition, Balfour Beatty Investments has provided the funding strategy with £171 million of wrapped bond financing being raised through a private placement. The project will provide 1,899 bedrooms together with a new Health and Wellbeing Centre, as well as catering and retail facilities for students. Throughout construction, Balfour Beatty will use modular construction techniques, to build the modular steel frame and bedroom units offsite and in a controlled factory environment, significantly reducing carbon emissions by limiting the number of lorry movements and material deliveries to and from site. Following completion, Balfour Beatty Investments will maintain the accommodation for the duration of the contract. Ion Appuhamy, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Investments, said: “The West Slope Residences is the most ambitious development programme the University of Sussex has undertaken in recent years, and will significantly contribute to and enhance the student experience. “Building on the success of the East Slope Residences project which we completed back in 2020, we now look forward to providing an additional campus for students whilst simultaneously showcasing our extensive experience in the design, funding and construction of high-quality accommodation and amenities.” Lindsay McGibbon, Managing Director of Balfour Beatty’s regional buildings business said: “At Balfour Beatty, we have a long and proud history in the successful delivery of student accommodation schemes in the UK. “Through this latest contract award, we will leverage our unrivalled knowledge and expertise to safely deliver the West Slope Residences to the highest standard, ensuring that it is a campus that both the University of Sussex and students alike can be proud of, and thrive in.” Allan Spencer, Executive Director (Special Capital Projects), at the University of Sussex, said: “I am delighted that we are expanding our partnership with Balfour Beatty. This project is critical to the University’s future success, ensuring all new students can live on campus. Securing this significant investment in our campus is a major milestone for the University and will deliver a key element of our ambitious Capital Programme, enhancing the experience of our students and staff through new accommodation and facilities.” Balfour Beatty has already achieved considerable success in the student accommodation market and with the addition of the West Slope Residences now has a portfolio of nearly 7,000 beds in development or operation across the UK, testament to its end to end offering from development and design, through to financing, construction, and maintenance. Construction is already underway with the student accommodation due to be ready for the start of the 2026/27 academic year. At construction peak, Balfour Beatty will employ 450 people including c.50 apprentice and graduate roles as part of its commitment to The 5% Club. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm GRAHAM has been awarded a £70 million contract by property developer Bricks Group for the two-stage design and build Bendigo Building project in Nottingham. Operated by Bricks’ acclaimed management platform ‘true student,’ the development marks a noteworthy advancement in the realm of purpose-built student accommodation in Nottingham and adds to true student’s impressive brand portfolio of over 7,000 beds across the UK’s student market. Originally built in the late 1960s, the Bendigo Building served as a Royal Mail Sorting office. After nearly two decades of vacancy, the redevelopment will bring new vibrancy to the area and high-end accommodation to students, offering great connectivity to Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham train station and high street – all less than half a mile away. ‘True Nottingham’ – a 661-bed development, offers a compelling variety of living options including beautifully designed studios and four, five and six en-suite bedroom apartments. As with all true student sites, the luxury all-inclusive accommodation will be fitted out to exceptional specification, providing amenities such as the festival zone, multi-media/games lounge, state-of-the-art gym with personal trainers plus fully landscaped garden with outdoor seating areas, car parking and cycle storage. Two ground-floor commercial units will provide additional amenities for the benefit of both students and the wider community. GRAHAM will work in collaboration with the consultancy team, including Bricks Development team, Abacus as Employer’s Agent and Principal Designer, KKA Limited as Architect, HSP Consulting as Civil & Structural Engineer and ME7 as Mechanical & Electrical Engineer. Ronan Hughes, Regional Director at GRAHAM, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Bricks Group to deliver this development that represents a significant investment in student accommodation, contributing to the growth and vibrancy of Nottingham. We have similar experience in delivering major projects in the city and look forward to transforming an unused space into a thriving new community for Nottingham’s student population.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
YTL Developments has secured planning permission for 1,514 beds of student accommodation at Brabazon. The company is transforming the 380-acre former Filton Airfield into a sustainable new mixed-use neighbourhood for Bristol. Over the next twenty years, this new city district – known as Brabazon – will grow to include thousands of new homes, creative workspaces and the largest new urban public park in the South West for 50 years. The new neighbourhood will be connected to Bristol and beyond by every form of sustainable transport. The MetroBus will stop at Brabazon and both the University of the West of England (UWE) and University of Bristol. The UWE campus is 1.5 mile walk or cycle away along dedicated bike paths and pedestrian routes. And a new railway station will serve Bristol Temple Meads – adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus – in less than 15 minutes. The student accommodation at Brabazon consists of 1,514 bedrooms, located across four mansion-style buildings on the southern boundary of Brabazon, close to the new railway station. Designed by leading local architects Stride Treglown, the attractive mansion blocks will have the space students want, both to socialise and to study. Separate bedrooms are arranged in clusters around communal spaces that will balance studying with a rich social experience. Inside, there will be dining areas and karaoke rooms, a gaming suite and gym, as well as shared studies and quiet working areas. Outside, the landscaped courtyards and green spaces include exercise areas and even a basketball court as well as south-facing gardens. The project is designed to inspire the next generation of engineers, designers and inventors and attract the best young talent to Bristol. The city’s world-class universities and diverse student population help give Bristol its unique energy and edge. But at present, a lack of dedicated student accommodation risks resulting in large numbers of HMOs that can upset the balance of some neighbourhoods. When the new student accommodation at Brabazon opens in time for the 2026-7 academic year, it will provide an inclusive place to live that is conducive to learning and be part of a sustainable solution to the challenges posed by the housing shortage elsewhere in the city. Sebastian Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL Developments comments: “Brabazon is designed to live up to the pioneering legacy of the former Filton Airfield and inspire the next generation. New purpose-built student accommodation is essential to our vision to create a thriving, diverse new neighbourhood for Bristol. “When the student accommodation completes, approximately 400 private homes will also be occupied, giving a total of almost 2,000 new residents from all generations by 2026-7. “This represents a critical mass. “The new residents will facilitate the arrival of a new breed of cafes, shops and restaurants. “They will ensure the new public transport services – both the MetroBus and new train station – become sustainable and reliable options for the whole community. “Alongside the existing world-leading engineering cluster, the new residents at Brabazon will accelerate the transformation of North Bristol, ensuring it remains a place of opportunity and drives local prosperity for the next 100 years.” Subscribe to the Neighbourhood Newsletter for Brabazon to receive updates as they are announced: www.brabazon.co.uk/newsletter Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Artisan Real Estate & Homes for Students to Develop 321 Self-Contained Apartments Ambitious proposals for high quality student accommodation in the heart of Glasgow city centre have been given the go-ahead by Glasgow City Council. Award-winning developer Artisan Real Estate together with Homes for Students, the UK’s largest independent student management company, will now take forward proposals for 321 self-contained studio apartments at 292-298 St Vincent Street, aimed primarily at the post-graduate and overseas student market. The plans include demolition of the existing office block, which has remained vacant since 2019 and replacing it with the new student development, bringing new investment, interest and life back to Glasgow city centre. The planning consent follows an extensive consultation exercise with the neighbouring community, which has largely supported the proposals. Local feedback recognised the need for student accommodation in Glasgow city centre, with many agreeing the proposals would help to address the current shortfall in the city’s student accommodation whilst easing pressure on the city’s current residential stock. Similarly, development plans were also welcomed by the local business community – including restaurants, cafes and bars – which are all currently suffering from the decline of office workers returning to the city centre following the pandemic. Welcoming the planning consent, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Director David Westwater, said: “The site is in a superb city centre location, within easy walking or cycling distance to a number of higher and further education establishments within the city. There is a demonstrable need for high-quality purpose-built student accommodation in the city, especially for individual studio apartments. The more longer-term student market we are targeting will bring energy and investment to the city centre and ensure deliverability of a superbly designed development to replace the existing office block which has remained vacant for four years.” The new student development proposals will provide a welcome boost for the city centre and are set to complement the Glasgow City Council-backed ‘Golden Z’ plan to re-energise the central commercial district, criss-crossed by Sauchiehall, Buchanan and Argyle streets. This includes plans for less retail and more restaurant and culture operators, with other suggestions including using empty upper floors of buildings for housing and shared workspaces. Mr Westwater added: “We have engaged with the local business community, which is suffering with the decline of office workers following the pandemic, and they widely welcomed the prospect of renewed investment and energy that the development will bring to the area. We will actively work with our neighbours to make the development an active and integral part of the local area, providing opportunities for our neighbours to share communal meeting spaces.” Homes for Students is the largest independent student management company in the UK with 40,000 beds nationwide and a strong regional presence across Scotland. The company’s core focus is on student wellbeing, environmental social governance (ESG) and community integration. Martin Corbett, Chief Executive Officer of Homes for Students said: “We are proud to have worked closely with Artisan Real Estate to ensure this is a best-in-class purpose-built scheme by providing high quality accommodation and amenities which students will enjoy living in. We will ensure we provide our residents with an exceptional student experience and encourage them to integrate and support the needs of the local community alongside our own highly experienced team who will foster and support their wellbeing.” Regeneration specialist Artisan Real Estate is an award-winning property developer and investor, with a strong track record in delivering innovative and sensitive development across Scotland and in Glasgow in particular. The company has recently completed the spectacular £80 million transformation of the city’s A-Listed Custom House and neighbouring buildings into a vibrant hotel quarter overlooking the River Clyde. Artisan first secured planning permission for the 292-298 St Vincent Street site in 2020 with plans for a 255-room, 4-star hotel. Due to the impact of Covid 19 pandemic on the hospitality sector, alternative uses were explored resulting in a revised planning application for 250 serviced residential apartments. Artisan subsequently secured a planning approval for this ‘co-living’ residential development from Glasgow City Council in early 2023, which is now superseded by the student development consent. For more information on 292 St Vincent Street and to register for updates, visit the project website at: www.292stvincentstreet.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on a new purpose-built student accommodation scheme for Studio Hive in Bristol. Silverthorne Lane Plot 6 will comprise 706 student rooms including cluster bedrooms and studio rooms along with amenity spaces. The development will form an important part of the regeneration of land off Silverthorne Lane, in Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone (TQEZ), which will see c£375 million being invested into residential, student accommodation and commercial developments, as well as a new comprehensive school. The new student accommodation 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 of the buildings will provide an important meeting place for students, with sports and games facilities along with quieter areas for relaxation. HG Construction has a strong track record of delivering high-quality large-scale student accommodation projects across the UK. HG will be self-delivering the piling and prefabricated utility cupboards on this scheme, securing quality and programme benefits for the client. Adam Quinn, CEO HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be involved in the regeneration of the Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. This is our first scheme for Studio Hive and it’s a pleasure to be working in partnership with them on this landmark PBSA development. With a carefully thought-out design which will benefit the local community and enhance the student experience, the scheme will make a very positive addition to Silverthorne Lane. As our first scheme in Bristol, we’re looking forward to getting to know the local area and will maximise opportunities for local employment and community engagement throughout the construction of this project.” Jason Collard, Managing Director of Studio HIVE Ltd said: “We have been involved in the Silverthorne Lane Masterplan for a number of years and it is now very exciting to have HG Construction on board and delivering a great new piece of regeneration for this part of Bristol. Our partners Far East Orchard, Woh Hup and Atlas Land are equally excited about this new PBSA scheme which is acting as a catalyst for private investment in the TQEZ.” Studio Hive are 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
Unite Students has started building work on its new £185 million property in Stratford, London. Hawthorne House is being built in Farthingale Walk, Stratford, and is replacing former office block Jubilee House, which has now been demolished. It will open in time for the 2026/27 academic year. The 36-storey property includes a 65,000 sq ft sixth-form academy, the London Academy of Excellence, over eight floors, which will be in place for an initial 35-year term. Unite Students is using a ‘fabric first’ approach, which means the design of the building optimises the materials being used in its construction to give better energy efficiency, such as maximising air tightness and solar gain. The development’s embodied carbon saving is 9,770 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) over 60 years, which exceeds the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 2030 Climate Challenge baseline. These are voluntary performance targets for operational energy use, water use and embodied carbon. London, which is home to over 300,000 students, hosts three of the world’s top 25 universities. Unite Students is the capital’s largest student accommodation operator and is committed to adding more beds. Unite Students acquired the Farthingale Walk site earlier this year for £73million. RG Group has been awarded the build contract. Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “Unite Students is leading the purpose-built student accommodation sector in London and Hawthorne House will be a unique offering in the capital. Our rental offer remains very competitive when compared to alternative forms of student accommodation and we are confident our fixed-price, all-inclusive rent provides real value-for-money for our customers. “Hawthorne House will offer high quality bedrooms, social and study areas, and will be home to a sixth form academy. It shows Unite Students’ commitment to deliver high quality student accommodation using sustainable methods. We look forward to furthering our relationship with both University of the Arts London and the London Academy of Excellence.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Unite Students, the UK’s largest provider of student accommodation, is set to build a new 600-bed development at the heart of Bristol’s biggest ever regeneration project. Marsh Mills, which has a total development cost of £75million, is to be constructed adjacent to the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus, close to the city’s Temple Meads train station. A lease agreement is in place with the Russell Group university for at least half of the rooms. The property has planning permission for 596 beds and will open in time for the 2025/26 academic year. The building’s operational energy consumption has been reduced through a ‘fabric first’ approach. Energy efficiency has been considered during design and build phase through to the manufacturing of materials and their transportation to the site, as well as their installation and use throughout the operational lifecycle of the building. Air source heat pumps and solar panels will also be installed. The development’s embodied carbon saving is 7,300 tCO2e (tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) over the lifecycle of the building. The development also meets the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Climate Challenge’s 2025 targets for embodied carbon in new residential buildings. The development site is in the heart of the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone and St Philip’s Marsh, one of the UK’s largest regeneration projects. The property will also include communal features including study spaces, a roof terrace, a gym and cycle storage. Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “Bristol is where it all began for Unite Students and this new property is in a vitally important scheme for students in the city. Marsh Mills will be built alongside the University of Bristol’s new Temple Quarter campus plus the city’s Temple Meads train station. “This development is further evidence of Unite Students’ commitment to delivering new supply of high-quality student accommodation in cities where it is needed most. Marsh Mills will have a low-carbon impact on the environment and will be built and open in time for the start of 2025/6 academic year, adding to our portfolio in the city and contributing to the much-needed regeneration of the Temple Quarter and St Philip’s Marsh area of the city.” RG Group has been awarded the build contract and construction work is now underway. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Two purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) projects by Regal London have been given the go-ahead, bringing forward a total of 1,580 student beds and 200 on site affordable homes alongside new community space, public realm and infrastructure improvements in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Brent. Earlier this year, Regal London, supported by funding partners UMTB, submitted plans for Devonshire Place, located at 747-759 and 765-775 Old Kent Road in Southwark positioned strategically opposite the proposed new Bakerloo Line station. Following extensive public consultation, the plans include 941 best-in-class student bedrooms and 200 new on-site affordable homes, contributing to over 40% affordable housing. The comprehensive proposal includes provisions for a new convenience food store and GP surgery, along with transport infrastructure upgrades to enhance links with surrounding areas. Following extensive public consultation, Regal London’s vision for Devonshire Place goes beyond housing, aiming to create a mixed and balanced community through innovative architecture, a community hub and café, open spaces, and quality public realm. This development serves as an opportunity for significant large-scale investment, creating sustainable economic growth, supporting the local community, and fostering growth anticipated by the Bakerloo Line Extension. Shaw Corporation coordinated the planning process and act as development manager for the project. In Brent, Regal London has been granted permission for 639 student beds at Wembley Greenway, situated to the rear of 390-406 High Road, Wembley. Previously, Regal London gained permission for 359 beds on the adjacent site, the two sites have been brought together, bringing the total number of beds to 998. In partnership with Secure Trust Bank, Regal London are not only introducing a cutting-edge PBSA development but also opening the railway lands parallel to High Road, Wembley, creating a newfound space for both students and the local community. The Wembley Greenway project is set to deliver a total of 639 student beds, featuring a diverse array of bedroom typologies, including 10% designated as accessible rooms. A car-free design emphasises sustainability, with the development incorporating new public realm areas enriched with greenery, seating, and play spaces accessible to all. Additionally, the project includes a community studio space available for rent. Both Devonshire Place and Wembley Greenway will be BREEAM Excellent and will seek to be amongst the first PBSA projects in the UK to be WELL Platinum certified, demonstrating Regal London’s commitment to the highest level of health achievements. Construction on Wembley Greenway and Devonshire Place will commence in 2024. Simon De Friend and Paul Eden, Co-Founders of Regal London commented: “Whilst others may sit on their hands and wait for circumstances around them to change, we have taken the opportunity to bring our PBSA portfolio into the spotlight. With 25 years of experience of residential development behind us, our student projects, with 4,000 beds in the current pipeline, will reflect the continuing quality and design excellence with which we have built our reputation. “With the available capacity representing only 25% of the student housing requirement, we are looking forward to playing our part in helping to meet London’s urgent student demand.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Study Inn, the luxury hotel-style student accommodation owner, developer, and operator, celebrated another milestone in its journey to 10,000 rooms with the Topping Out ceremony of its latest Leeds development. The event marked a crucial point in the construction of its new 15 storey tower building. The ceremony was attended by Study Inn Directors to acknowledge the project’s significance to the Leeds community. Phase 1 of the development, comprised regeneration of an existing landmark building and was opened by the group in September 22, delivering 163 rooms. This new second phase will add a further 222 rooms and is on track for opening as planned in September 2024. Safety and sustainability have been at the forefront of innovative design. Amenities already opened with the first phase of the development are to Study Inn’s brand standard and include a wellness spa, yoga studio, gym, entertainment area, and bowling lanes. The link block joining the two buildings will include a large reception area and study rooms with modern breakout spaces. “We are delighted to mark this significant milestone in our ongoing drive to redefine student living in the UK. It is a testament to our dedication to providing a dynamic, conducive environment for academic growth and personal development and we eagerly anticipate the positive impact this facility will bring to the Leeds community,” said Simon Liversage, MD of Developments at Study Inn Group. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
