Purple Frog hops into Worcester for new student scheme
A student property company in Birmingham is targeting expansion with a move into Worcestershire.
Purple Frog is making the leap across to Worcester after signing a contract with accommodation provider, PFHD Worcester.
The deal paves the way for a new 149-bedroom Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) scheme in the city.
Due to complete in the summer of 2020, the project will see the refurbishment of a Grade II listed building on Henwick Road, preserving the historic Gothic-façade, while revamping and extending the interior to include a gym, study facilities, communal spaces, en-suite rooms and studio flats, perfect for the city’s growing student community.
The project will add to Purple Frog’s portfolio and extend its presence beyond Birmingham, Nottingham, and Bristol, where it already manages properties for more than 2,500 students.
The decision follows an increase in the number of people applying for courses at the University of Worcester.
The percentage of students studying at the university who come from outside Worcester is also growing.
As it stands, the University of Worcester currently subcontracts 500 bed spaces in the private sector, as it does not have enough accommodation to supply its students. This latest development will tackle this problem head on, providing self-contained university accommodation, which in turn will reduce the strain on local residential properties.
Patrick Garratt, Purple Frog’s managing director, said: “Worcester is a city we’ve had our eye on for a while now. Its prominent student population and its growing recognition as one of the region’s leading higher-education institutions means there has never been a more exciting time to get involved with the university.
“There is clearly demand for high quality student accommodation and we’re looking forward to meeting that demand and providing a proper level of service to the tenants, the landlords, the investors and being good neighbours within the local community.”
The site being renovated is a former orphanage which more recently has been the site of the YMCA.
A planning application for the conversion of the building has been submitted to Worcester City Council.
The sale of the building has been facilitated by Andrew Grant Estate Agents.
