Liverpool scheme marks new expansion for Coventry developer

A Coventry developer has announced a major new project in Liverpool as it continues its nationwide expansion.

Developer and operator Study Inn Group, which provides all-inclusive serviced student accommodation, has applied to create a new Study Inn on the site of a former police station in the city.

It has submitted plans to Liverpool City Council to demolish the former police station in Copperas Hill and replace it with a six-storey development which could house 206 students.

If the company – which employs 122 staff –  is successful in its application, it hopes to open in Liverpool in September 2018.

It will be the group’s first foray into the North West, and follows developments in Coventry, Cambridge, Nottingham and Sheffield. It is also currently upgrading and re-branding the former Post Office in Hertford Street, Coventry into 129 Study Inn rooms – a scheme which will open in September this year.

The company, which is part of the Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership attending the property exhibition later this month, will open in Bristol and Glasgow in 2018 and has plans moving forward in other UK university cities.

Kieran Leahy, a director of Study Inn Group, said the current room count of  1,500 rooms will more than double in size.

“We do supply something very different in the type of accommodation, level of service and what we call student ‘whole life’ experience and that has proved very popular with our residents, their parents, universities and local authorities in all of our locations,” he said.

“Our development model is based on re-generation of city centres which also brings spend and footfall into the city centre and reduces the number of students living in houses of multi occupation in the suburbs. This is an issue in most cities. Our operating model is based on hospitality and student life experience.
 
“Our administrative headquarters is based in Coventry and the number of jobs for local people increases as we expand across the country.”

He said the MIPIM event had proved very useful for the firm in being able to demonstrate its concept to civic representatives, universities, banks and investors.

“It is certainly what we are aiming to do again this year,” he added.

The Coventry and Warwickshire MIPIM Partnership is made up of leading companies and organisations which fund the area’s presence at the show.

Key development and investment opportunities are highlighted through a series of key events as part of a combined Midlands UK presence.