Trio of contracts worth £130m signed by Wates

CONTRACTOR Wates Construction has signed three deals worth £130m with global developer Select Property Group.

It will deliver three student schemes under Select’s Vita Student brand in Manchester, Newcastle and York.

The biggest contract, worth £60.2m, will see a 748-bed student development at Circle Square at the former BBC site on Oxford Road.

The £47.7m York student village will see 15 three and four storey buildings built, totalling 659 beds.

Wates will also build a 331-bed site at Strawberry Place near St James’ Park in Newcastle, a £23.8m development.

Mark Oakes, chief commercial officer at Select Property Group said that the new trio of deals with Wates signals an important chapter for the relationship between the two businesses at a time of significant growth for Select.

“We’re pleased to announce this partnership with Wates today on three of our most high-profile developments.

“We are a rapidly expanding business with over 4,500 units currently in development in the North of England across our Vita Student, CitySuites and Affinity Living brands.

“At a significant time of growth, it’s important for us to build long-lasting strategic partnerships with industry partners that we are confident can deliver on time and budget and share our commitment to produce exceptional, quality buildings that our customers want to live in.”

Phil Harrison, managing director of Wates Construction Midlands and North, said: “The buoyancy of the private residential market in the North is in part being driven by an increased appetite for premium student accommodation, a demand that Select Property Group is leading the way in addressing.

“Wates’ appointment to the three VITA schemes across the North is a huge testament to our growing relationship with Select Property Group, the strength of which has been built on our comprehensive understanding of their vision to create unique residences that enhance student experience.”