Unite Students completes £32m refurbishment programme
Unite Students, the UK’s leading provider of purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), has successfully completed 11 refurbishment projects this year, spanning from Glasgow to London.
These refurbishments, totalling £32m, form part of the company’s wider commitment to enhancing the living experience for students nationwide.
The programme, which accommodates 5,239 residents, reflects Unite Students’ ongoing investment in high-quality, affordable housing for the UK’s university students.
The refurbishment initiative is part of Unite Students’ broader strategy, which involves an annual spend of £50m to £75m over the next five years.
This effort supports their goal of providing what they term a "Home for Success," ensuring residents have access to safe, secure, and modern living spaces that promote academic and personal growth.
Key Projects in the refurbishment programme
Among the standout projects is Stapleton House in North London, which received a £1.5m makeover.
The 862-unit scheme, home to University College London students, now boasts upgraded amenity spaces, including a new reception, improved study and social areas, a common room, and a private outdoor courtyard.
In Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, Cedar House underwent a £2.6m refurbishment.
This 102-unit development, part of Unite Students’ Student Village, now features revamped bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenity spaces, catering to over 1,000 students.
Glasgow’s Thurso Street, a 405-unit property located opposite the University of Glasgow, saw £8m invested in its redevelopment.
The upgrades include a spacious common room and a communal study space, enhancing the property's appeal and functionality for residents.
Other refurbished schemes include Angel Lane, North Lodge, Olympic Way, and Station Court in London; Rosalind Franklin in Portsmouth; Oak Brook Park in Birmingham; Rushford Court in Durham; and Kyle Park House in Glasgow.
Commitment to high standards and sustainability
Unite Students’ Chief Executive, Joe Lister, emphasised the company’s dedication to maintaining high standards in student accommodation:
“We are proud of the investment into these properties, which reaffirms our commitment to provide high quality, affordable accommodation that offers a Home for Success for the talented residents who live with us. These high standards provide an environment for our residents to thrive.”
The company’s efforts not only address rising student demand but also help ease housing shortages by freeing up existing homes for local families.
Unite Students’ strong occupancy rate of 97.5% highlights the high demand for its PBSA schemes amid limited supply.
Future development plans
Looking ahead, Unite Students continues to expand its footprint, with a record £1.5bn development and asset management pipeline.
The company currently provides homes for 68,000 students across 151 properties in 23 university towns and cities. Partnering with over 60 universities, Unite Students is a key player in supporting the UK’s world-leading higher education sector.
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