Work completes on 604-bed student accommodation
Pickard Properties is marking completion of its most ambitious student accommodation development in its 50-year history, Carlton Hill.
The 604-bed, purpose-built apartment development, close to the city centre and both University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett will welcome students for the 2023-24 academic year.
Pickard Properties, which has a portfolio of around 300 residential properties it owns and lets, will retain ownership of Carlton Hill and has reached agreement with student charity and operator Unipol, which will lease and manage the site for the University of Leeds.
Carlton Hill incorporates social spaces for residents, a gym, fully landscaped “sky gardens” and a roof terrace.
It replaces a 239-bed student accommodation block, which was also owned by Pickard Properties and was demolished to make way for this new scheme.
It was designed by Halliday Clark Architects, based in Ilkley, and built by Leeds-based GMI Construction.
The scheme was project managed by Fox Lloyd Jones with planning consultancy advice provided by Quod.
Miles Pickard, director of Pickard Properties, said: “Carlton Hill sets the standard for modern student accommodation that is appealing to tenants, not only because of its location, and focus on mental and physical well-being, but also because it’s a green and sustainable building.
“We have been part of the student accommodation sector in Leeds for half a century and Carlton Hill demonstrates our commitment to continuing to provide the highest quality, sustainable properties in the city.”
Andrew Hurcomb, divisional director of GMI Construction, said: “We are exceptionally proud to have been part of this landmark development, which represents the future of student accommodation in Leeds.
“Carlton Hill builds on our track record in the UK student living sector and highlights our capabilities to deliver sustainable and environmentally focused projects in close partnership with developers such as Pickard Properties and by utilising a predominately local supply chain.”
Daniel Jamieson, director of Fox Lloyd Jones, said: “The entire project team has worked fantastically together to deliver Carlton Hill providing students with a state-of-the-art accommodation, with fantastic added details such as roof terraces, sky gardens and larger than average bedrooms. Delivery of such scheme within budget and programme is a credit to all involved.”
Richard Walsh, director, Halliday Clark Architects, said: “At Carlton Hill, we were driven to providing an environmentally conscious and high level of design, which is not only inclusive and accessible but with particular focus on addressing the health and wellbeing needs of students.
“We feel it is critical to ensure students have safe and secure spaces, in addition to their own study bedroom where they can form positive associations during their formative years.”
Tim Waring, senior director, Quod, added: “During these times when there is a clear and compelling need for more homes in the City, Quod are pleased to have supported Pickard’s team in delivering planning consent for this high quality, health and wellness led, addition to the purpose-built student homes market in Leeds.”
