UK & Ireland

Plans for a 353-strong residential-led Belfast development have taken their latest step forward. The proposals concern a vacant brownfield site at land bounded by Glenalpin Street, Wellwood Street and Norwood Street. It is currently in use as a public car park.

Watkins Jones Group has put forward plans to demolish Portcullis House on India Street, to create hundreds of student homes. Plans were previously drawn up for a 30-storey, build-to-rent, and co-living complex but Glasgow City Council has yet to make a determination on the proposal.

Sunway RE Capital bought the 233-bed property, Green Wood Court in Bassett Green Road, for an undisclosed sum. The real estate platform controlled by Malaysia’s Sunway Group acquired the site through its Singapore-established and sponsored private trust Sunway Residence Trust II.

A landmark student accommodation in Birmingham is set to be made even taller. The development, at the corner of Lancaster Street and Lawson Street, was originally intended to provide 556 beds predominately for those who attend Aston University and Birmingham City University.

Four student housing blocks up to 15 storeys high were granted planning permission by councillors this afternoon (Wednesday 5 April). The blocks, containing 566 student rooms, are due to be built at Moulsecoomb Place, next to Brighton University’s campus in Lewes Road.

The four schemes are – a £46m residential development in Birmingham for Select Property, a £25.9m residential scheme in Manchester, a £10.2m student accommodation Scheme in York and a £32m student accommodation scheme with Bricks Group.

At Station Approach, Hereford's first dedicated build for student accommodation, there are currently 178 single bedrooms, but another block is needed for people studying at New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE), the city's new university.

University developments abound as Unite Students secures planning approval to enhance Rushford Court in Durham, whilst BAM has already broken ground on the University of Huddersfield’s Daphne Steele Building.

Fife Council has approved plans to transform the former Madras College buildings and grounds at Kilrymont, into 209 student bedrooms, a cafe, a convenience store, and a deli.

THE Sinn Féin spokesperson on Further and Higher Education, Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, has called for an explanation from government following the Residential Tenancies Board revelation that there are almost 5,000 fewer student beds registered in the private sector.