Award-winning operator Nido Living has launched The Fabric Works – a new 402-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Leeds on behalf of joint venture partners H.I.G and Primus.
The operator was appointed in 2023 to help launch and operate The Fabric Works, which will be opening in September 2025 and is ready for bookings.
The Fabric Works aims to set a new bar for PBSA in the city. Its vision has been conceptualised by the award-winning Tim Groom Architects, with the interior design of the scheme – amenity and bedrooms – designed by KKA Interiors, on behalf of Primus.
Each studio room at The Fabric Works includes a 43” SMART Ultra HD 4K TV, superfast WiFi connection, generous storage space, a fridge-freezer, cooking appliances, an ensuite bathroom and acoustic flooring.
The accommodation offers premium student living focused on customer experience, with vibrant outdoor and indoor social living areas and plenty of sustainability attributes, including connection to the Leeds PIPES heat network.
Amenities at The Fabric Works includes a games room, private dining room, co-working and study spaces, a cinema room, a fully-equipped gym, a yoga and fitness studio, and private outdoor gardens.
The PBSA scheme has been developed by CODU in partnership with Primus, whose team have over ten years’ experience delivering high quality student accommodation across the UK.
The building takes its inspiration from the arcades built in Leeds between 1878 and 1897, including Thornton Arcade, Queen’s Arcade and County Arcade, and includes many features that are unique to the city.
Leeds is one of the most popular student cities in the UK with a lack of premium-quality city-centre PBSA. With its high specification and proximity to all major universities and higher education institutions, The Fabric Works is one of the most anticipated new schemes in the city, redefining student living.
Nido is also well-renowned for offering a best-in-class student experience with an average 4.5/5 rating across Google, a 90% rebooking and referral rate, and an NPS of +41, 16pts ahead of the PBSA average.
“The UK student accommodation market continues to be hugely undersupplied, with an acute lack of the type of professionally managed and design-oriented homes that residents demand.
“Leeds has long been a favourite of UK and international students, and this continues to be the case. While there are schemes already in the city, we are confident The Fabric Works is unique and will set a new bar for aspirational student living offering the best accommodation and amenities, with an added focus on both wellbeing and sustainability.
“In addition, with a new stable UK Government and as immigration policy becomes clearer, we expect the numbers of international students to rise again, with Leeds one of the cities on their radar thanks to its vibrant lifestyle, its top 100 ranking and being part of the prestigious Russell Group.”
Darren Gardner, COO, Nido Living
Nido Living is also appointed on another scheme by H.I.G and Primus, a 380-bedroom PBSA development – The Sail Yard & The Sail Works in Lancaster, in a nod to the site’s former use making sails.
To date, Nido has developed and managed over 18,000 student accommodation and co-living beds in the UK and Europe and is set to become one of the leaders in student-led accommodation.
“Nido is an award-winning European PBSA operator who has raised the bar in student accommodation management and experience, and we’re excited to leverage their track record and brand for our assets in Leeds and Lancaster.
“Early engagement with Nido in the development of the schemes has helped us integrate both technology and sustainable design in a way that delivers a positive impact for the students who will be living in our buildings.
“A key part of our asset management plan is to have fun, inclusive, and community-oriented spaces with a friendly and trusted team on the ground 24/7 for our student community, and we are delighted Nido represents all of this at The Fabric Works and The Sail Yard & Works.”
Duncan Melville, Director, Primus Property Group
