Sustainable student accommodation development joins Leeds landscape

Work has completed on a new sustainable 188-bed student accommodation block in Leeds designed to have a positive impact on local conservation areas.

GMI Construction Group began work on site at Oak House, situated on Park Lane in the Belle Vue district of Leeds, in Spring 2020. The finished development includes nine high-spec studio flats, and 30 shared flats for between four and eight students.

Designed by architects DLA for Maple Grove Developments, communal spaces include a large lounge and areas for private or group study, an outdoor terrace, on-site cardio studio and secure bike storage. Flats include double beds, en-suite bathrooms, smart TVs, in-flat washer-dryers and super-fast internet.

Lee Powell, GMI’s Divisional Managing Director said: “This is a sustainable development which provides a positive impact within the conservation area including improvements to open space and the provision of high-quality student accommodation.

“Getting this project complete and over the line constitutes a great team effort and on behalf of GMI I would like to thank and congratulate all involved. This is the 10th student accommodation development that GMI has completed to date as we continue to build upon our offering and credentials in this sector.”

Maple Grove Developments’ managing director Karen Hirst said: “This is the latest development we have completed in the PBSA sector, which is showing great resilience and continued interest for funders.”

Tony Vyse, assistant chief executive – Development of Unipol, the incoming tenant at Oak House, said: “After the global pandemic and the aftermath of supply chain issues, Unipol and more importantly, the residents, are extremely happy with the finished product that completed on time.

“Oak House reflects Unipol’s values to provide well-priced accommodation and creates a living environment that encourages socialisation and well-being, which is part of our educational mission. Unipol has now commenced a long-term deal which will provide quality housing for students for the next 25 years.

“I’d like to thank all parties involved in what has been a very successful scheme, which ultimately benefits Unipol’s portfolio, students for the next quarter of a century and the community of Little Woodhouse.”