York developer’s student developments move forward with Singaporean funding

York based property development company, S Harrison, has agreed a forward funding deal with Singapore headquartered Q Investment Partners (QIP) to deliver two major new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) schemes in Edinburgh.

S Harrison secured planning permission in late 2022 for the two schemes on East Newington Place, off Newington Road, and a second scheme within the historic surroundings of Canongate, just behind the Royal Mile. The two developments will offer 141 high quality studio rooms in total, along with quality amenity space.

These latest Edinburgh developments mark S Harrison’s second deal with QIP, with the company also forward funding one of the developer’s York PBSA schemes, which is currently under construction.

When the development completes next year, it will offer 303-bedrooms spread across a three to five storey development on James Street, close to both the University of York and York St John University.

In Canongate, S Harrison has secured planning permission for the partial demolition of existing buildings and the delivery of 76 studio rooms. The site is located opposite the Holyrood Campus of Edinburgh University and within easy reach of other university facilities.

The East Newington Place development has seen an old, disused commercial unit demolished and the site will now be redeveloped into a modern, energy-efficient four storey building with 65 studio rooms. East Newington Place is located close to the main city centre campus of the University of Edinburgh and close to all Newington Road’s amenities.

Both developments will also offer separate study rooms, multimedia rooms, gyms, break out space, cycle storage and open courtyards. S Harrison has successfully delivered numerous PBSA schemes in Edinburgh, York and Leeds in recent years, totalling thousands of bedrooms.

David Clancy, from S Harrison, commented: “We were keen to grow our relationship with QIP after working with them on our York development, and they quickly recognised the excellent opportunity our Edinburgh sites offer and we are delighted to have concluded these deals with them.

“Both schemes are very well-designed and in highly sought-after locations really close to the university, which will make them extremely popular with students.

“Construction work at East Newington Place will start in the coming months, with the scheme complete and ready for the 2025 student intake. We also expect demolition work to begin imminently at Canongate, with the development ready to open for the start of the 2026 academic year.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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