Northern ethical property investors are set to receive impressive rental yields in student accommodation. The region is seeing a boom in demand for high-quality properties from its growing intakes of UK and international students following investment in higher education facilities, putting the region on the map as a go-to
McAleer & Rushe have been appointed by Fusion Group to deliver 420 new residences at a 7-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Liverpool, Fusion’s first student residence in the city. The scheme will transform the vacant Hondo supermarket site, located on Upper Duke Street in Liverpool’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’, and
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of Birmingham’s new purpose-built student accommodation project Pershore Junction with the topping out of the building. Developer Alumno celebrated the achievement with a special event held on site attended by a number of key stakeholders, including senior members of contactor GMI
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease
London-based developer Q Developments has got the planning thumbs up to build a 27-storey student rooms tower in Salford. Architect Broadway Malyan has envisioned the Salford Steps project, set to provide approximately 540 student beds in the vicinity. The project’s location will be the former site of McDonald’s regional headquarters
Alumno, the specialist student accommodation developer, has officially opened a striking mixed-use six and seven-storey building in Leeds that will provide accommodation for the city’s growing student population and features an onsite Asian street food restaurant. The Terry Frost Building, named after the celebrated abstract artist who taught at Leeds
Developer Regal London have submitted plans for a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme on ‘Wembley Greenaway’, in the London Borough of Brent. The proposed scheme will open up the railway lands parallel to High Road, Wembley for the first time, and will provide safe and inclusive green space. The proposals
Bouygues UK has been announced as lead contractor to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across two campuses of the University of Chichester. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living
The University of Chichester has confirmed Uliving in consortium with Equitix, as preferred bidder to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across their two campuses. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student
Northern ethical property investors are set to receive impressive rental yields in student accommodation. The region is seeing a boom in demand for high-quality properties from its growing intakes of UK and international students following investment in higher education facilities, putting the region on the map as a go-to city for education and training. The housing challenge faced by students across the UK is a pressing issue, and Integritas Property Group (IPG) is at the forefront of addressing it. Through initiatives like Optima in Bradford and the completed Bijou student living project (the first phase of this development), IPG is leading the way in the student accommodation landscape and is reporting a boom in rental yields for property investors. The student population in Bradford is currently over 42,000, with 30% of students arriving from 130 countries, as the university offers 352 undergraduate courses and 213 graduate courses. With University of Bradford only having 1,004 units available for student accommodation, comprised of 2 managed halls of residence and 34 four-story townhouses, there is huge need for new, highly quality student accommodation across the city. Mitchell Walsh, CEO at IPG, says, “By providing students with first-class living options, IPG is offering investors a lucrative opportunity to invest in a growing metropolis.” IPG’s approach goes beyond just housing provision as it creates accommodation that is accessible, affordable, and conducive to learning. As it becomes increasingly more difficult for students across Bradford to find suitable accommodation, these luxury lets, currently on sale to investors, will soon be home to some of the city’s student population. Mitchell Walsh continued, “Decent student accommodation in a city near their place of study is often a challenge to find – as a result, students are then pushed further out into the suburbs, which adds extra pressure to their day whilst increasing social isolation. Our Optimadevelopment is strategically located in the heart of Bradford city centre, giving students easy access to the city centre, nightlife, and the university.” “Optima, the high-spec property, offers exquisite finishes, stylish interiors, and modern appliances in each unit, ensuring a luxurious living experience for residents – a step up from the run-of-the-mill student digs most people think of.” The big driver in student accommodation demand is growth in PGT (Postgraduate Taught) international intakes, with the University of Bradford coming 15th in the top increases in full-time PGT study numbers in the UK 2021-2022. In many localities, growth in demand is far outstripping growth in the supply of student accommodation. * IPG’s Optima development comes after the success of its Bijou project, set within the residential scheme in Laisteridge Student Village, which saw 46 units snapped up by investors looking to provide accommodation for Bradford’s growing student population. TheOptima development features 54 student pods and four accessible studios, with shared access to a fully fitted kitchen, a laundry room, and a large open-plan living space for student socialising and aims to be complete ahead of September 2024. Mitchell Walsh concludes, “Investing in the property market in Bradford right now is a wise decision as the rental yield is currently at an impressive 8.25%, 3% higher than the national average.” The last few units remain for investors to purchase, starting from £78,000, each with a 999-year lease. These units offer an 8.25% rental yield, and all units come fully furnished and managed. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
McAleer & Rushe have been appointed by Fusion Group to deliver 420 new residences at a 7-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Liverpool, Fusion’s first student residence in the city. The scheme will transform the vacant Hondo supermarket site, located on Upper Duke Street in Liverpool’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’, and runs adjacent to the Ropewalks Conservation Area and Liverpool Cathedral, which have significant historical and cultural importance. Construction has commenced on site and completion expected by June 2025, in advance of the 2025/26 student intake, delivering high quality accommodation and amenity space for students in the city centre. Ideally located opposite the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and within walking distance of both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, the building will provide an unrivalled space for students including a recording studio, half basketball court, fitness studio, library and zero waste shop. Designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, the scheme will also provide ample external landscaping features such as two private courtyards, a private dining area, outdoor bar and performance stage and a serene area for yoga, meditation and study. The leading design and build contractor will use offsite manufacturing techniques in the delivery of this project utilising light gauge steel frame structures and bathroom pods to deliver increased efficiency on site, reducing material deliveries and carbon emissions. This will allow McAleer & Rushe to achieve programme savings in the delivery of the scheme. McAleer & Rushe has extensive experience of providing quality student accommodation and has successfully delivered over 11,500 PBSA units across the UK and Ireland, including in Liverpool, with another 2,500 under construction. Commenting on the appointment Peter Devlin, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “With our extensive experience delivering PBSA schemes across the UK and Ireland, we are well placed to deliver a scheme for Fusion Group that will help to revitalise the Upper Duke Street area of Liverpool and provide young people with a high-quality student living experience. “As Construction Partner and building on our successful early engagement approach, we are making use of offsite manufacturing to deliver benefits throughout the construction process delivering the scheme efficiently and sustainably.” Paul Miles, Construction Director, of developer Fusion Group commented: “We believe that every aspect of student living should be carefully considered and designed to create positive living spaces and inspire those who are living there. “Our Construction Partner McAleer & Rushe bring expert knowledge and experience in delivering quality student accommodation in the PBSA sector and their approach to the project will provide modern and comfortable living accommodation with unparalleled social facilities and exemplary communal amenities.” McAleer & Rushe has completed several major construction projects in Liverpool and is currently on site at Park Lane, overlooking the Royal Albert Docks, delivering a new build Maldron hotel. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
GMI Construction has scooped contract with Olympian Homes to build a £50 million student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York. Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 80,000 sq foot site will feature a four storey building comprising of 275 beds and facilities including a gym yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history the scheme will feature a cinema. Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards. This is the latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development to be delivered by Olympian Homes, which is also active in hotel, Build to Rent, co-living and affordable housing sectors. This project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International. GMI has worked closely with Olympian Homes and its professional team throughout the Pre-Construction Services Agreement period to develop a buildable, cost-effective and sustainable design. Construction is due to begin in the coming weeks, following the completion of archaeological works. The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete. Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963. GMI, which will utilise a predominantly local supply chain on the project, is highly active in the PBSA market, with this new development brining the number of student beds it is building in York to almost 600. This includes 303-beds at a scheme in James Street on behalf of York-based S Harrison Developments, which is currently under construction. Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s Regional Director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York. Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark stage was reached recently in the construction of Birmingham’s new purpose-built student accommodation project Pershore Junction with the topping out of the building. Developer Alumno celebrated the achievement with a special event held on site attended by a number of key stakeholders, including senior members of contactor GMI Construction Group. Regenerating a former BT brownfield site within the established Selly Oak community, Pershore Junction will accommodate the growing number of students attending local universities and the city’s dental hospital, taking pressure off private housing in the area. The development will comprise a mix of cluster beds and single occupancy studio rooms for 167 residents, together with a reception and communal areas. The £24 million scheme funded by Woh Hup will also provide an improved retail space for the site’s original Post Office and newsagent outlet, which has been relocated close by during construction. The local community will also benefit from an enhanced public area in front of the building, which will include landscaping, seating and cycle stands. Designed by Howells, the new development will comprise brickwork and terracotta detailing, which references local materials, while providing a modern identity for the building. “The elegantly crafted red brick/terracotta design responds to several key local landmarks, including the red brick Selly Park Church and Dogpool Lane Hotel,” explained Dav Bansal, Partner at Howells, which designed the development. “The project also reinstates a piece of under-utilised green space as a matured setting for the building for both students and the local community to enjoy. It will provide a much needed and sustainable home to embed students in the wider community, but also a catalyst for regenerating this local neighbourhood.” Commenting on the project, Alumno Managing Director David Campbell said: “It’s great to be celebrating the topping out of another exciting project. Our development will improve the local area visually, provide an economic boost to local businesses, and deliver much needed accommodation for Birmingham’s growing student population. As with all our developments, we have worked closely with the surrounding community and local authority to ensure the scheme enhances this vibrant area.” Delighted with the progress made to date, Gareth Jones, GMI’s Joint Divisional Managing Director, commented: “We are proud to have hit this major milestone on Pershore Junction, which will help to meet the growing demand for student accommodation in Birmingham. It also strengthens GMI’s credentials in the construction of multi-occupancy developments, particularly in the student accommodation sector, which is reflected by our continuing close relationship with Alumno.” Phil Johnson, Head of UK investments for Woh Hup, added: “We are delighted with the partnership with Alumno, GMI and the wider project team. We appreciate all the hard work undertaken to date by the team and are looking forward to opening the scheme for academic year 2024.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease terms to fit their individual requirements. With over 18 years of combined experience working with students, University Living and Londonist recognized the need for more flexibility in tenancy options to better serve the dynamic needs of students. Uninist is specifically designed to address this gap in the market and provide students with the freedom to create their ideal living experience. Uninist offers modern and well-maintained properties in prime locations, in close proximity to universities, colleges, public transportation, and other amenities. The platform provides a variety of room configurations and payment plans, including short-term to long-term options, to meet the unique needs of each student. “University Living has over a decade of experience handling and expanding globally, and especially in and around the UK, catering to 110 plus nationalities globally. It’s a very good combination where Londonist is bringing the expertise on the on-ground operations and University Living is bringing in the market intel for outside London, a flawless way to conquer the rest of the UK, for the flexible contracts. University Living has been catering to 110 plus nationalities globally for a decade now, and we ensure safe and secure premium accommodation in and around universities to all the students,” said Mayank Maheshwari, COO of University Living. Asim Ertürk, Managing Director of Londonist DMC said, “At Uninist we are passionate about helping students thrive, and our flexible housing options empowers students to create their ideal living experience. We are also incredibly proud to have provided access to the top cities in the UK, and we have always been striving to deliver the best experience for students around the globe. Student wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and our spaces to study, exercise, social and relax will ensure the best journey for all students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
London-based developer Q Developments has got the planning thumbs up to build a 27-storey student rooms tower in Salford. Architect Broadway Malyan has envisioned the Salford Steps project, set to provide approximately 540 student beds in the vicinity. The project’s location will be the former site of McDonald’s regional headquarters at Cross Lane, adjacent to the University of Salford and Salford Quays. The recently approved plan represents a reduction from the initial 2021 submission, which proposed an 880-bed development spanning 40 floors. As part of the Section 106 agreement, Q Developments will allocate £1 million towards local initiatives to be determined by the city council. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Alumno, the specialist student accommodation developer, has officially opened a striking mixed-use six and seven-storey building in Leeds that will provide accommodation for the city’s growing student population and features an onsite Asian street food restaurant. The Terry Frost Building, named after the celebrated abstract artist who taught at Leeds College of Art, was designed by architects Howarth Litchfield, built by GMI Construction Group and project managed by RPS Group. The new 11,955 square metre project on Whitelock Street in the Sheepscar district of the city has regenerated a run-down, disused site and comprises 105 units that will house 411 students. Facilities include a range of communal areas, including a central hub, gym, cinema, laundry room, roof terrace with a garden and extensive secure bicycle storage. “Sheepscar was a thriving Irish quarter with many industries including coal extraction, brickmaking and, perhaps most notably, Burmantofts Pottery nearby,” explained Jonathan Yates, Managing Director at Howard Litchfield. “The predominance of brickwork in the facades is a clear reference to this urban, industrial and artisan heritage and celebrates the former clay pits to the west. We are delighted with how the design has evolved, which cascades down from west to east to the dramatic prow at the Sheepscar Interchange creating a new landmark gateway for the northern city and offering spectacular views of the city to the south.” As part of its ongoing commitment to the communities living adjacent to its projects, Alumno has commissioned artworks that have been integrated into the public areas surrounding the development. The atrium features a large frieze based on an abstract painting by Frost. Inspired by Frost’s work, Yorkshire-based poet Zaffar Kunial has written a poem cast into the brickwork at the building’s entrance. Meanwhile, Kunial’s work based on the ‘hidden river’ Sheepscar Beck, which runs to the rear of the site before disappearing under Leeds city centre, is built into the retaining wall of the development’s ‘eternal rain garden’ where ceramics by local artist Ameila Wood will also be permanently displayed. At the recent opening event, Frost’s son Anthony unveiled a plaque in honour of his late father. Specially commissioned photography on Leeds by Peter Dench is also on display, along with work from finalists of Photo North, an annual photography exhibition and student competition sponsored by Alumno. Cocktails and refreshments were provided by a local distillery and brewery. “We have been creating student accommodation around the UK for over 15 years and are delighted to be opening our latest completed project in Leeds,” said Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “Whitelock Street is the perfect location due its proximity to the universities and city centre, and we believe this development will be a great addition to the Sheepscar district and offer significant regeneration benefits. It will also make more housing available to local people by alleviating the need for students to rent family homes privately in the area.” Andrew Hurcomb, Divisional Managing Director Yorkshire, from GMI Construction, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have delivered this landmark development as part of our ongoing and successful relationship with Alumno. The Terry Frost Building is helping to set the standard for purpose-built student accommodation, which is sustainably designed and built to meet the needs of Leeds’ growing student population.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Regal London have submitted plans for a Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme on ‘Wembley Greenaway’, in the London Borough of Brent. The proposed scheme will open up the railway lands parallel to High Road, Wembley for the first time, and will provide safe and inclusive green space. The proposals for Wembley Greenaway comprise 639 student beds across a range of bedroom typologies, including 10% accessible rooms. The development is proposed to be car free, and will include new public realm with greenery, seating and play for use by all and a community studio rentable space. Providing easy access to significant numbers of higher education campuses in London, Wembley Central Underground Station is less than a 10 minute walk from the site, with access to the Overground, Bakerloo and London Northwestern Lines, while the equally close Wembley Stadium Station offers access to the Chiltern Main Line, with regular fast trains to London Marylebone. This is Regal London’s second PBSA development in the borough, and it’s fifth in London following The Society – also on High Road Wembley, Devonshire Place in Southwark (currently in planning) and the proposed new developments on Chalk Farm Road in the London Borough of Camden next to the Roundhouse, and Orchard Wharf opposite the 02 Arena. Subject to successful planning approvals, this takes Regal London’s PBSA portfolio to nearly 3,500 beds across the capital. Paul Eden, co-founder of Regal London commented: “There is clear demand for high quality purpose-built student accommodation in London – well located, with good sustainability credentials and a thoughtful approach to design and wellbeing. We hope to be able to deliver this for High Road, Wembley and to continue working closely with our local neighbours in the area.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Bouygues UK has been announced as lead contractor to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across two campuses of the University of Chichester. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living experience. Uliving, the student accommodation brand of Linkcity UK, working in consortium with Equitix, propose to deliver a total of 1,032 units across the two campuses in Bognor Regis and Chichester. This will include: a stock transfer of, and extensive refurbishment to, the existing 507 beds across the two campuses; delivery of the enhanced consented 176-bed new build scheme at Bognor Regis and delivery of 349 new beds at the Bishop Otter campus in Chichester. The consortium is already multi-award winners in student accommodation projects, over several years and their experience means they are well placed to provide the services required for meeting the university’s exacting standards. The project would add to their already large portfolio of student accommodation across England. Professor Jane Longmore, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chichester, said: “We are delighted to be working with Uliving and Equitix. Both companies listened and responded carefully to our brief to deliver high-quality student accommodation for both our campuses. This will include an extensive building programme, as well as refurbishment of many of our existing bedrooms. The building designs, sustainability plans and attention to social spaces impressed both University and Student Union colleagues alike. Within the Chichester region this new accommodation will help us meet increased demand as our student numbers grow and provide an affordable student living experience, as they move away from home for their new lives at university.” Oliver Campbell, CEO of Uliving, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this stage and are looking forward to progressing our plans with Equitix to deliver high quality, affordable living spaces which meets the needs of the University of Chichester and its students. We will work collaboratively with our sister companies Bouygues UK and Bouygues Energies & Services to deliver sustainable buildings that provide the highest level of facilities management services.” Hugh Crossley, Chief Executive for Equitix, added: “We are delighted to be named as Preferred Bidder on this exciting project with one of the UK’s fastest growing institutions. As the UK’s leading investor and developer in social infrastructure, Equitix are well placed to successfully deliver an enhanced student living experience with our valued partners.” The consortium propose to refurbish, develop and enhance the twin sites to be delivered in stages with Practical Completion by September 2027. The delivery of this project will tie in with University of Chichester’s long term sustainable investment strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The University of Chichester has confirmed Uliving in consortium with Equitix, as preferred bidder to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across their two campuses. The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living experience. Uliving, the student accommodation brand of Linkcity UK, working in consortium with Equitix, propose to deliver a total of 1,032 units across the two campuses in Bognor Regis and Chichester. This will include: a stock transfer of, and extensive refurbishment to, the existing 507 beds across the two campuses; delivery of the enhanced consented 176-bed new build scheme at Bognor Regis and delivery of 349 new beds at the Bishop Otter campus in Chichester. The consortium is already a multi-award winner in student accommodation projects, over several years and their experience means they are well placed to provide the services required for meeting the university’s exacting standards. The project would add to their already large portfolio of student accommodation across England. Professor Jane Longmore, Vice-Chancellor, at the University of Chichester, said: “We are delighted to be working with Uliving and Equitix. Both companies listened and responded carefully to our brief to deliver high-quality student accommodation for both our campuses. This will include an extensive building programme, as well as refurbishment of many of our existing bedrooms. The building designs, sustainability plans and attention to social spaces impressed both University and Student Union colleagues alike. Within the Chichester region this new accommodation will help us meet increased demand as our student numbers grow and provide an affordable student living experience, as they move away from home for their new lives at university.” Oliver Campbell, CEO of Uliving said, “We are thrilled to have reached this stage and are looking forward to progressing our plans with Equitix to deliver high quality, affordable living spaces which meets the needs of the University of Chichester and its students. We will work collaboratively with our sister companies Bouygues UK and Bouygues Energies & Services to deliver sustainable buildings that provide the highest level of facilities management services.” Hugh Crossley, Chief Executive for Equitix, said: “We are delighted to be named as Preferred Bidder on this exciting project with one of the UK’s fastest growing institutions. As the UK’s leading investor and developer in social infrastructure, Equitix are well placed to successfully deliver an enhanced student living experience with our valued partners”. The consortium propose to refurbish, develop and enhance the twin sites to be delivered in stages with practical completion by September 2027. The delivery of this project will tie in with University of Chichester’s long term sustainable investment strategy. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
