Construction group McAleer & Rushe have been appointed by student accommodation provider Fusion Group to deliver 420 new residences at a seven-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Liverpool. Ideally located opposite the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and within walking distance of both the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, it will be Fusion’s first student residence in the city.
The scheme will transform the vacant Hondo supermarket site, which is located on Upper Duke Street in Liverpool’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’. It runs adjacent to the Ropewalks Conservation Area and Liverpool Cathedral, which have significant historical and cultural importance. Construction has started and completion of the development is expected by June 2025, in advance of the 2025/26 student intake.
“With our extensive experience delivering PBSA schemes across the UK and Ireland, we are well placed to deliver a scheme for Fusion Group that will help to revitalise the Upper Duke Street area of Liverpool and provide young people with a high-quality student living experience. As Construction Partner and building on our successful early engagement approach, we are making use of offsite manufacturing to deliver benefits throughout the construction process delivering the scheme efficiently and sustainably.”
Peter Devlin, Contracts Director, McAleer & Rushe
Residential amenities at the scheme include a recording studio, half basketball court, fitness studio, library, zero waste shop, two private courtyards, a private dining area, outdoor bar and performance stage, and a serene area for yoga, meditation and study.
Designed to a BREEAM Very Good rating, the contractor will use offsite manufacturing techniques in the delivery of the scheme whilst utilising light gauge steel frame structures and bathroom pods to deliver increased efficiency on site, reducing material deliveries and carbon emissions. This will allow McAleer & Rushe to achieve programme savings in the delivery of the scheme.
“We believe that every aspect of student living should be carefully considered and designed to create positive living spaces and inspire those who are living there. Our Construction Partner McAleer & Rushe bring expert knowledge and experience in delivering quality student accommodation in the PBSA sector and their approach to the project will provide modern and comfortable living accommodation with unparalleled social facilities and exemplary communal amenities.”
Paul Miles, Construction Director, Fusion Group
