S Harrison and GMI Construction begin James Street project

The James Street project on the former Alton Motors site will be three to five stories tall.

York City Council approved revised proposals from York property and development company S Harrison last May.

Local residents said an earlier application represented “over-development” of the site.

However, developers point out that York has one of the worst student housing shortages in the country.

Student housing approved on the former Alton Motors site in York

S Harrison has completed other projects in York including Hungate, Grays Wharf, Escrick Business Park, Groves Chapel and Hampton By Hilton.

Now that a forward funding deal has been secured with Q Investment Partners (QIP) of Singapore, work has begun on the mix of 195 cluster apartments and 108 studios.

Leeds-based GMP Construction Group has been appointed as contractor. Completion is scheduled for spring 2025, in time for student intake in 2025.

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The facility will then be operated by the prestige student living brand Homes for Students.

GMI Construction Group has been named as the contractor and development is expected to be completed in spring 2025.

Peter Young, CEO and co-founder of QIP, says purpose built student housing (PBSA) is becoming more attractive to institutional investors as demand for such properties increases.

James Street will be part of a £200m UK student housing project between QIP and property investment group Soilbuild. It complements an existing QIP partnership with Ares to build 1,000 student accommodation in the UK’s leading student cities.

S Harrison’s Martyn Harrison says his 70-year-old company has delivered thousands of student rooms in York, Leeds and Edinburgh over the last few years with the support of investors and this is the first company with QIP.

York has the greatest demand for purpose built student accommodation

He continued: “High quality PBSA is in high demand in York, especially for projects like this being so close to the University of York and York St John University. When this is combined with our local knowledge and QIP’s industry experience, there is no doubt that this development will resonate with the city’s students.”

Designed by York-based CSP Architects, the A-shaped development includes a large external central common area, study rooms, games room, cinema, gym and laundry facilities.

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The site is mostly car-free and features a large bike shop, gentle landscaping, and a small park. It also promises to improve Lawrence Street’s streetscape.

Andrew Hurcomb, Yorkshire division manager at GMI Construction, says GMI has completed many student projects in the North and Midlands and the James Street project, close to both universities, will “help York cement its position as a top study destination”.