Unite tops out at Burnet Point PBSA

Unite Students' Burnet Point combines PBSA and affordable housing, with the project on track for completion for 2025/26 academic term.

The Burnet Point PBSA project team at the topping out ceremony | PBSA News
The Burnet Point PBSA project team at the topping out ceremony.

Following breaking ground in May 2024, contractor GRAHAM and Unite Students have reached a major construction milestone – topping out at Burnet Point, a new £59m purpose-built student accommodation development (PBSA) at Abbey Lane in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The topping-out ceremony, celebrating progress on the scheme, was attended by representatives from both developer Unite Students and GRAHAM. 

“We’re thrilled to reach this milestone at Burnet Point. This marks a significant step in delivering high-quality and affordable accommodation to help meet the supply challenges in Edinburgh, one of the UK’s most vibrant university cities.

“Once open, this property will help free up privately rented homes in the city for use by families, reducing housing shortage pressures. We’re committed to providing students with safe and secure homes that enhance the local community and offer access to support if needed.”

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director, Unite Students
Drone content credit: Alistair Leith.

Burnet Point will deliver 298 student bedrooms in a mix of cluster and studio flats alongside 66 one-, two-, and three-bedroom flats, and 17 affordable units managed by Hillcrest Homes. The project on track for completion ahead of the 2025/26 academic term.

Designed with sustainability at its core, Burnet Point incorporates low-carbon concrete and timber composite materials. Carbon lifecycle assessments show that Burnet Point will be Unite Students’ lowest carbon new build project to date.

“Burnet Point showcases our expertise in sustainable construction and mixed-use developments. The topping-out ceremony highlights the collective effort of all partners involved, and we look forward to completing the next stages as we bring this exciting development to life.”

Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director, GRAHAM Building North

Edinburgh continues to experience significant demand for student housing, with almost 20% of the city’s population enrolled in further or higher education. However, there is a substantial PBSA shortfall, with an estimated need for a further 17,000 beds to meet current demand.

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