Sheffield “undervalued” student development transforms into all-purpose residential accommodation

A Sheffield development has completed on the first phase to convert a student block into all-purpose residential accommodation.

Phoenix Court, a 1920s grade 1 listed former fire station, was converted into student accommodation in the early 1990s, but following low occuplancy levels, a refurbishment was deemed necessary to explore other ways of attracting tenants.

Twenty-nine apartments at Phoenix Court been reconfigured and refurbished and are now fully let.

Developers Resify, which specialises in transforming undervalued schemes, has carried out the work, with completion due end of April.

Obi Williams, managing director of Resify, said: “Phoenix Court is a historic building set in a prime location, however the décor and layout were dated and rental yields well below par for the area.

“Given the wealth of student accommodation in Sheffield, it made sense to create multi-purpose apartments that appeal to a wider range of occupants.

“We are delighted with the response from tenants, which demonstrates the demand for high-quality, fully furnished apartments in the city centre.

“The project also shows how an understanding of the local market and a creative approach can transform a single-use development in areas of oversupply.”