Developers Greystar and Lacuna Developments alongside contractor GRAHAM have officially topped out at the Nelson Street purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Belfast; set to be the largest student development in Northern Ireland. The milestone was celebrated at the 12-storey building on 29 June 2023.
Student Roost – who were acquired by Greystar and GIC – has been chosen as the scheme’s operator and manager upon completion and gained planning for new facilities at the development last year.
The companies were joined at the topping out ceremony by senior team members from Fletcher Joseph Associates, Johnson Associates, Etive Consulting, and representatives from Ulster University.
“Nelson Street is looking incredible already and reaching 12-storeys is a milestone we’re all proud of. We’re already excited to start welcoming our new residents in summer 2024.
“This is Student Roost’s fifth property in Belfast. We already have a strong presence in the city and Nelson Street builds on these solid foundations, providing an excellent living experience where the student community can thrive.
“We’re grateful to our development and construction partners, GRAHAM and Lacuna Developments, for ensuring that Nelson Street remains on track to open ahead of the 2024/25 academic year.”
Neil Howells, Senior Director, Development, Greystar
The attendees ascended to the 12th floor to enjoy views across the city and signed a commemorative plaque before taking a tour of the complex.
GRAHAM is well underway with the construction of the £48m Nelson Street development which, upon completion, will deliver 774 bedrooms and residential facilities set across 245,000 sq ft.
As one of the largest student accommodation schemes in Belfast, the development will also feature a shared sports and games hall, a wellness room, physiotherapy suite, social areas, a café and a gym.
“The need for student housing continues to top the agenda for all key cities across the UK, and Nelson Street will play a significant role in bridging the gap between supply and demand in Belfast. Working closely and strategically with project partners, it is excellent to celebrate Nelson Street as we top out at 12 storeys.
“Modern student accommodation has evolved significantly, with social and wellness aspects prioritised by forward-thinking developers. Nelson Street will become a high-quality complex that offers a clever design, contemporary fit out and an ideal location for Ulster University students.
“GRAHAM continues to grow its portfolio of PBSA developments across the UK and we look forward to continuing our positive relationship with the project team as the development progresses.”
Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director (MD), GRAHAM Building North
As the demand for student housing across the UK and Ireland increases, the much-anticipated Nelson Street development will help to ease pressure for Ulster University students looking for accommodation.
Construction works are currently on schedule, with the concrete framework and steel structure now complete.
The window fit out, brickworks, courtyard work and roof are now also underway, with more than 50% of construction already finished.
“We are delighted to once again be working with GRAHAM in delivering another high quality PBSA scheme in Belfast. This takes Lacuna’s involvement in student rooms in Belfast to over 2,700 since 2015. It is fantastic to see the positive ripple effect all the students are having on the city centre post the pandemic. We take a lot of pride in the high standard of accommodation we are delivering for Belfast with this scheme in particular having a large number of recreational facilities and private amenity space which benefits the residents and wider Ulster University community both from a physical and mental health perspective.”
Anthony Best, Managing Director (MD), Lacuna Developments
Set across a series of accommodation blocks positioned around a south-facing courtyard, a façade on Nelson Street will be home to the planned café and gym, which will help enhance the existing landscape.
GRAHAM is on schedule to reach completion of the Nelson Street PBSA development in summer 2024, including the full fit out of Greystar and Lacuna Developments scheme.
