York student scheme reaches new heights

A student accommodation development in York has reached a construction milestone.

GMI Construction Group has marked a key stage in the delivery of a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme on Foss Islands Road, celebrating a topping-out ceremony as the building reaches full structural height. 

The three, four and five-storey scheme will deliver 133 student beds and is being developed in partnership by Urbium Capital and Otley-based Gregory Property Group. 

It will provide a mix of premium studios and one-bedroom apartments, supported by a range of shared facilities including study areas, a gym, social spaces and landscaped courtyards.

Sustainability sits at the heart of the project, which is targeting BREEAM Excellent, EPC A and WiredScore Platinum standards. 

Features include air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and secure cycle storage, supporting a largely car-free approach. 

The development, which is on track for completion ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, also meets strict air quality, water efficiency and carbon standards, reflecting its location within York’s Air Quality Management Area.

Located between the University of York and York St John University, and close to the city centre, bosses say the scheme will regenerate a brownfield site previously occupied by commercial operators. 

Suliman Aujan, founder and chief executive of Urbium Capital, added: “This milestone reflects strong progress on what is a transformational scheme for this site. 

“Foss Islands Road is ideally located for students and will help address the city’s significant shortage of dedicated accommodation. 

“Our partnership with GMI has been excellent, and we look forward to seeing the development completed and in use as an asset that supports York’s thriving student economy.”

John McGhee, managing director of Gregory Property Group, added: “To see the development reach the topping out stage is extremely exciting. 

“It’s a testament to the hard work, expertise and determination that has gone into bringing it out of the ground, and the results speak for themselves. 

“We’re proud of the progress made so far and look forward to delivering a scheme that will bring long-term benefit to the area.”

The project adds to GMI’s growing portfolio of student accommodation developments across York, following the recent completion of other PBSA schemes elsewhere in the city, including the £50 million, 275-bed Rialto House on Fishergate for Olympian Homes and the £22 million Raffles Hall on James Street for S Harrison Developments.

Ed Weston, GMI’s regional director, Yorkshire, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage is a significant moment for everyone involved in this development. 

“The team has worked incredibly hard to bring the project to this point, and it’s great to see the building taking shape.

“We’re also pleased to be playing a part in addressing the shortage of high-quality, sustainable dedicated student accommodation that will have a positive impact on both the city and student accommodation.”

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