Fully let PBSA for new academic year
A project to build student flats was completed in time for the start of the 2023 autumn term, helping to meet the needs of Leeds’ growing university population. The purpose-built student accommodation was developed by Alumno with support from Motion. All 411 units were fully occupied from the first day of operation.
Jonny Darbishire, Senior Development Manager at Alumno, explains, “Our mission is firmly rooted in placemaking. Located in an untested area north of the city centre, this scheme represented something of a first for Alumno in Leeds. The redeveloped site at Whitelock Street has since sparked a new wave of regeneration in the Sheepscar district.”
Successful negotiations
Motion provided highways advice, transport planning and infrastructure design support including for the associated Section 278 works. The company designed a new access and a widened footway across private land.
Associate, Shaun Cregeen, recalls some of the obstacles that needed to be overcome. “Resolving differences in levels across the site, tree positioning and adoption, dealing with public utilities and traffic regulation orders were just some of the project challenges.” Jonny Darbishire adds, “We looked to Motion to help us manage the commuted sum negotiations. The team succeeded in delivering a result agreeable to all parties.”
The development provides a gym, cinema, communal areas and ground-floor space for retail, commercial and community uses. Studios to support the emerging local arts scene are also offered. A tree-lined, landscaped courtyard replacing an old footpath, and a roof-top garden complete the scheme. Named after the iconic British abstract artist who taught in Leeds, the Terry Frost building celebrates the area’s vibrant cultural and arts heritage, with locally commissioned artworks on display in the public areas.
Sustainability impact:
- Secure bicycle storage to encourage active travel
- Proximity to higher education establishments for convenient access on foot
- Tree planting and landscaping to help create natural habitats and combat climate change
Image credit: © Alumno
An abridged version of this article first appeared in Issue 25 of Insight
