Unite adds 700 extra beds in Nottingham

Unite Students has got the go-ahead for a new 700-bed student accommodation development on Derby Road in Nottingham. The direct-let development, which is adjacent to the University of Nottingham campus, will open in time for the 2023/24 academic year. Unite said the scheme, which will cost £57m to develop, will deliver a development yield in line with its targets. Group property director Nick Hayes said: “The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s leading universities and we are delighted to support their future growth. The development reflects our strategy of increasing our alignment to the strongest universities and will help to deliver operational efficiencies through greater scale in Nottingham.” Unite already operates three schemes in Nottingham. At Derby Road it  hopes to deliver a scheme with a BREEAM Excellent rating and for it to be net zero carbon in operation through optimised design, integration of solar panels at roof level and an all-electric heating solution, including high-efficiency air-source heat pumps. The development will also deliver a substantial biodiversity improvement, through opening and improving access to the River Leen, said Unite. To send feedback, e-mail samantha.mcclary@egi.co.uk or tweet @samanthamcclary or @estatesgazette