Collaboration agreed to operate hundreds more student apartments

Student accommodation operator, Nido, will partner with a joint venture between Primus Property Group and HIG Realty Partners on the design and operation of two purpose-built student accommodation schemes.

Scheduled to open in September 2025, the two schemes in Leeds and Lancaster will deliver 790 student beds (388 in Lancaster and 402 Leeds) in the two cities.

Both cities continue to experience growth in student numbers year-on-year, coupled with a shortage of good quality purpose-built student accommodation. (PBSA)

Primus and HIG, as JV partners, have brought in Nido to leverage its 16-year track record and expertise in student living operations across the UK and Europe to advise on the design and development and undertake the leasing, mobilisation and property management of the projects.

Both schemes will also offer a range of amenities including games rooms, common living areas, private dining rooms, group study spaces, cinema rooms, gyms and outdoor social areas.

To date, Nido has developed and managed over 20,000 student accommodation and co-living beds in the UK and Europe.

Darren Gardner, CEO at Nido, said: “The UK student accommodation market continues to be hugely undersupplied, with an acute lack of the type of professionally managed and wellbeing-oriented homes that residents demand.

“Our appointment to work on these two much needed schemes demonstrates HIG’s and Primus Property Group’s understanding of the importance of delivering a best in class and differentiated residential experience for students and a recognition of our expertise in helping them deliver it.

“As well as drawing on our own experience, we regularly survey our Nido residents across Europe to fully understand their needs in different markets, helping inform our approach to design, events and technological integration.”

Duncan Melville, director at Primus Property Group, added: “Nido is an award-winning European PBSA operator who has raised the bar in student accommodation design, management and experience, and we’re excited to leverage their track record and brand on our assets in Leeds and Lancaster.

“Early engagement with Nido in the development of the schemes will help us in integrating technology and sustainable design in a way that delivers a positive impact for students who will be living in our buildings.

“We trust Nido to create fun, inclusive and wellbeing-oriented spaces and student communities which is a key part of our asset management plan.”