Student accommodation specialist snaps up space in new £70m complex
UniHomes is the first office occupier to enter the New Era Square Development, in Sheffield.
The student accommodation platform is now situated off St Mary’s Gate, in the centre of the city.
The move marks a new chapter for UniHomes, after rapid growth that has seen it expand to a 40-strong workforce in six years.
Having acquired student utilities provider, Split The Bills, in December 2020, the new office space provides an opportunity to facilitate future expansion for the Sheffield-born technology business.
The £70m New Era development is set to have full occupancy by winter 2021. It will host a variety of retailers along with cafés, restaurants and bars.
UniHomes directors Bradley Cox, Luca Mori and Phil Greaves said: “Fundamentally, we want to provide an energetic and innovative space for our team to work in.
“Having worked predominantly from home over the past year, we’ve already witnessed a really positive response and eagerness from those coming back into the office.
“We have no doubt the space will not only help us to progress further as a business, but also nurture staff development and attract talent to the city.”
New Era Developments, OVO Spaces, colloco and Taylor & Emmet LLP are all partner businesses that aided in the negotiation, design and creation of the new UniHomes office.
Jerry Cheung, managing director of New Era Developments, said: “We’re delighted to welcome UniHomes to New Era Square.
“They are the first office occupier in the scheme and their creative fit-out really showcases the building’s incredible potential. We look forward to announcing more new tenants in the coming months.”
OVO Spaces, located at Victoria Quays, was responsible for the design and fit out of the new office.
David Baldwin, CEO and founder of OVO, said: “Working with a forward-thinking company, like UniHomes, has allowed us to work closely to achieve fabulous work-spaces, break-out and wellness zones of virtually equal proportion.”
Bryony Shaw, commercial property specialist at Sheffield solicitors, Taylor & Emmet LLP, represented UniHomes in the lease and licence negotiations.
She said: “Working collaboratively with the landlord, we achieved a great result for our client and completed the lease within three months.
“It has been a pleasure to work with UniHomes on this transaction and I wish them every success in their new office.”
Bridging the negotiations was Sheffield City Region property advice service, colloco. Founder Tim Bottrill said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated the letting to UniHomes.
“The letting marks the establishment of New Era as an exciting office destination. We’re confident UniHomes’ decision to commit to the office here will act as a catalyst to attract other occupiers to the development.”
