UNIVERSITY PRAISES S HARRISON FOR FIRST LEEDS STUDENT SCHEME

The University of Leeds has signed a 25 year lease on new bespoke student accommodation targeted specifically at overseas post graduate students.  The seven storey 60,000 sq ft Blenheim Point, on Blenheim Walk, marks the first partnership between the University and leading Yorkshire developer S Harrison. 

Director of Residential Services for the University, Ian Robertson, has praised Harrison for its commitment to a partnering approach and for the design quality of the 180 bed facility, which is scheduled to come on stream in time for the Autumn 2018 intake.

Blenheim Point is the first student accommodation to be delivered in Leeds by Harrison, which has a strong record in the sector with successful and award-winning schemes already completed in Sheffield, Newcastle, York and Edinburgh. 

The Harrison team worked closely with the University right from the earliest design stages to create accommodation which would provide for the specific needs of post graduate students and especially those from overseas.  “We were impressed by their teamwork approach, their flexibility and their design ideas.  Together we have incorporated a number of features within the 180 rooms that will give the complex added appeal,” says Ian. “Throughout the process Harrison has demonstrated its ability to deliver to our exacting specifications.”

Blenheim Point is located close to the heart of the university quarter, adjacent to the Leeds Student Medical Practice and within easy access of all the major facilities.  Contractors GMI started work on the 64 week contract in April 2017.

With an allocation of just over 8,600 rooms, the University of Leeds operates its own accommodation across twelve sites and leases accommodation at a further seven locations in the City. 

“The quality of living spaces plays a vital role in recruiting students.  We guarantee accommodation to all first year students, and to other key groups, and understand the role that good design and good value play in the excellent student experience on offer at  Leeds,” says Ian Robertson.

Harrison’s Managing Director, Ann Scott, says:

“This is an important high profile project and one in which we have worked closely with Ian and his team to design and deliver what we know will rank as amongst the most appealing student properties in their portfolio.  We are actively seeking other development opportunities in Leeds and look forward to partnering with the University on future schemes.”

In keeping with its commitment to work with the local communities in which it is carrying out developments, Harrison has teamed up with Leeds charity Simon on the Streets to help Leeds’ homeless.