Funding boosts Vita Group city student development

A student accommodation firm has unveiled city expansion plans after securing £43 million support.

Vita Group is building a 260-bed base in Newcastle.

Bosses say the venture will open for the September 2026 academic year and include a gym, basketball court and private dining and study rooms.

The development, which will replace a furniture showroom in the shadows of Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, has been supported by a Puma Property Finance loan.

Known as Vita Student Leazes Park, it will add to existing Vita sites in Newcastle’s Strawberry Place and Westgate Road.

It also marks the third occasion Puma has supported the accommodation operator, having previously provided a £24 million loan for a 269-bed Belfast project and backed a 268-bed Edinburgh development.

Max Bielby, Vita Group chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to continue providing incoming students with high-class accommodation.

“We are looking forward to seeing this development come to life.”

Paul Murphy, Puma Property Finance senior manager, added: “We are delighted to be partnering once again with Vita Group.

“We are also pleased to be strengthening our presence in the North, where we see considerable opportunity.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.