A brand-new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in York has been completed, well before 303 students move in at the end of summer. This is thanks to the collaborative efforts of local property company, S Harrison and GMI Construction Group.

Located in a prime location on James Street, the development – named Raffles Hall – comprises 195 cluster apartments and 108 studios across a three to five storey building. Residents will enjoy access to a wide range of amenities, including a spacious external communal area, study areas, a games room, cinema, lounge, gym and laundry facilities. The development also features a south-facing public pocket park offering over 200 square metres of green space.

Construction of Raffles Hall began in June 2023 and the property is owned by Singapore-based investor, SB PBSA Pte Ltd (Soilbuild).

The completed development will be managed by the Prestige Student Living brand of Homes for Students with the first residents expected to move in ahead of the start of the new academic year this September.

Andrew Wharton, from S Harrison, said: “This is a transformational scheme for both James Street and Lawrence Street, which is a primary route into the city, that has seen a former industrial unit replaced with a striking and modern building that complements the local streetscape.

“It’s also within easy walking distance of York city centre and close to both the University of York and York St John University, which will make it popular with the city’s students who want to live in high-quality homes with first class amenities.”

Lim Han Feng from SB PBSA Pte Ltd (Soilbuild), said: “We’re very excited to see work complete on Raffles Hall. It’s a superb development that offers everything you could want from luxury student accommodation in York and will elevate the university experience of everyone who lives there to the next level, which completely justifies our decision to invest in the city.”

Ed Weston, regional director at GMI Construction Group added: “This is a high quality and well-designed scheme in a popular location, which makes it a fantastic addition to the extensive portfolio of PBSA schemes that we have successfully delivered throughout the UK. It’s also been a pleasure to extend our relationship with S Harrison, after previously completing two other successful PBSA schemes for the company in York and Leeds.”

S Harrison has successfully delivered numerous PBSA schemes in York, Leeds and Edinburgh, totalling thousands of bedrooms. In 2017, S Harrison also completed work on another neighbouring Lawrence Street site, successfully transforming the former Working Men’s Club and The Tam O’ Shanter public house into a 115-bedroom premium PBSA scheme.

Other PBSA developments that S Harrison has created in York include St John Central in the city centre, Abode on Navigation Road and Percys Place, in the Walmgate conservation area.

The developer is also currently working on PBSA schemes in Edinburgh including 76 studio rooms in the historic surroundings of Canongate, just behind Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, and a 65-bedroom development close to all Newington Road’s amenities on East Newington Place.