Pillars’ £35million Urban Hub in Preston has reached a key milestone in the construction of the 425-apartment student accommodation.

The construction company appointed by Pillars to lead the development of its flagship project – Truman, announced placing the last beam on top of the Urban Hub last week, which marks reaching the highest point of the building and the completion of an important phase of construction.

The 160,000sqft scheme scheduled for completion in Q3 2022, will contain 425 self-contained studio apartments each with en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, an outdoor and indoor spaces to meet and socialise, gym,

cinema, laundry, library and a landscaped roof terrace overlooking Preston City Centre. The award-winning David Cox Architects is responsible for the design of the project and the 5* living spaces.

The accommodation is being exclusively built for students and local key workers and is in walking distance from the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLAN) Preston campus and the Royal Preston Hospital.

Truman’s Director, David Wheeler said: “The Urban Hub is a huge investment in Preston and demonstrates Pillar’s commitment to supporting the development of the city.  We believe this flagship scheme will create its own vibrant community, made up of young people and local key workers, and we are so proud to be a part of the team making it a reality.”

David Cox, Director at David Cox Architects, commented “Marking the topping out is a celebratory milestone for the entire project team and demonstrates real demand to create exemplar living accommodation in the city. Urban Hub really is ‘one-of-a-kind’ and has been designed to reflect something of the local cultural heritage and the beauty to be found in the landscape of the north of England. The external spaces of the courtyard and roof terraces are fun and vibrant, and the perfect setting to relax with friends and enjoy the city skyline.

“We know the opening is eagerly anticipated by residents, both local and from further afield, and we look forward to progress being made towards fit-out stages and final handover next year.”

Innov8 Development Solutions is Pillar’s employers agent.