Vita Group and MRP agree a funding deal to deliver a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Belfast – under its Vita Student brand. Vita Student Belfast will be the group’s first scheme in Northern Ireland, and adds to MRP’s significant footprint in Belfast.
The scheme is located on the corner of Little Victoria Street and Bruce Street and benefits from good accessibility to the busy Queen’s University and Ulster University campuses. The PBSA development supports the growing demand for student living in the city centre.
Design and build contractor – McAleer & Rushe – started construction on the 15-storey development January 2022. The scheme will deliver 271 high-quality studio apartments, and will utilise a number of modern methods of construction – including offsite prefabricated bathroom pods.
Amenities at Vita Student Belfast will include a gym, large design-led hub spaces, a private study and dining rooms. Incorporating its customer centric approach to people and hospitality, Vita Student will host events and activities which create a platform for residents to ‘begin big’ and support positive wellbeing.
“We are delighted to announce another funding deal with VITA, one of the leading providers of student accommodation, building on our strong working partnership to date. This exciting project supports the very significant demand there is for student accommodation in Belfast city centre and helps to further improve the broad appeal of Belfast as a location for international students.
“It will deliver exceptionally high-quality living space in a prominent location with great access to transport infrastructure and close proximity to Belfast’s main university campuses. This, combined with Vita’s top level of on-site services, will significantly add to Belfast’s vibrant student offering and create an experience for the residents, which is not currently available in the market.”
Graham Mitchell, Development Director, MRP
The Vita Student Belfast building, designed by TODD Architects will have a lower five storey podium base addressing Bruce Street, and remaining ten storey element is set back above from the podium elevation. The development is expected to complete in Summer 2023 in time for the 2023/24 academic year.
“Belfast presents an exciting opportunity for Vita Student. The city attracts top talent from around the world to study at its universities and is currently underserved by existing PBSA. This puts pressures on the local housing market and so there is pent up demand for quality student accommodation, helping to attract more talent from Northern Ireland and around the world. We are pleased to build on our partnership with MRP in creating the best student living experience Belfast has ever seen.”
Max Bielby, Chief Operating Officer, Vita Group
Vita Student Belfast is Vita Group and MRP’s third partnership together, with Vita Student Canon Park opening in September and a second Birmingham site on Gough Street, which has recently had plans submitted to the council.
