Pillars has reached a key milestone as its £35m purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Preston – called Urban Hub – tops out. The appointed construction company – Truman – announced placing the last beam on top of Urban Hub toward the end of September. This marked reaching the highest point of the building – and the completion of an important phase of construction.
“The Urban Hub is a huge investment in Preston and demonstrates Pillar’s commitment to supporting the development of the city. We believe this flagship scheme will create its own vibrant community, made up of young people and local key workers, and we are so proud to be a part of the team making it a reality.”
David Wheeler, Director, Truman
The 160,000 sq ft PBSA scheme is on track to complete ahead of the start of the 2022/23 academic year. Once complete, Urban Hub will deliver 425 self-contained studio apartments with ensuite bathrooms and kitchenettes. Amenities include an outdoor and indoor spaces, a gym, cinema, restaurant, café, laundry room, library and a prayer room. The scheme also features a landscaped roof terrace overlooking Preston City Centre. The award-winning David Cox Architects has designed the project and living spaces.
Urban Hub is being exclusively built for students and local key workers. The development is in walking distance from the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLAN) Preston campus and the Royal Preston Hospital.
“Marking the topping out is a celebratory milestone for the entire project team and demonstrates real demand to create exemplar living accommodation in the city. Urban Hub really is ‘one-of-a-kind’ and has been designed to reflect something of the local cultural heritage and the beauty to be found in the landscape of the north of England. The external spaces of the courtyard and roof terraces are fun and vibrant, and the perfect setting to relax with friends and enjoy the city skyline.
“We know the opening is eagerly anticipated by residents, both local and from further afield, and we look forward to progress being made towards fit-out stages and final handover next year.”
David Cox, Director, David Cox Architects
