Newly acquired site earmarked for 138 studio apartments for students

Gregory Properties has bought a site on Foss Islands Road, York, with aspirations to use it to help address a shortage of purpose-built student accommodation in the city.

The site, previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres, is equidistant between the University of York and York St John University.

Gregory has drawn up plans to deliver 138 studios with seven communal rooms and well-being amenity within a largely three-storey purpose-built building.

Instead of parking facilities, the proposals include an allocation of around 100 cycle spaces.

Harrogate-based Gregory Properties delivered York’s £40m Foss Islands Retail Park in 2007. The group is also responsible for The Refinery, a 400-bed student scheme in central Leeds.

John McGhee, a director, and head of residential at Gregory Properties is leading the project.

He  is currently chair of trustees for York City FC Foundation which includes management of the York Girls Regional Talent Centre. Gregory Group is also a sponsor of York City Ladies Football Club.

McGhee said: “Our commitment to York as an evolving city is long-standing and we are passionate about repurposing brownfield sites in a sustainable way to support modern day use.

“This site is a prime example of an under-developed site with old, tired and outmoded buildings but well located for student provision.

“We know York has one of the worst shortages of student accommodation in the UK. Affordable accommodation for students is a priority for both universities in attracting young talent and with this scheme, we hope that we can deliver against at least a small part of the current shortage.”

Gregory Properties has negotiated forward funding for the project from a London-based fund which already owns over 400 student residential units in York.

Local contractor, GMI construction is pre-appointed to deliver the scheme once planning consent has been secured.