Edinburgh-based developer Glencairn Properties has appointed GRAHAM to manage the design and build of a state-of-the-art student accommodation scheme in the capital’s Abbeyhill area.

The multi-million-pound contract will see the contractor provide 149-bed student studios and cluster flats, which will help to continue to regenerate the area and meet continued student accommodation demand.

Occupying a corner plot on Montrose Terrace and West Norton Place, the build will see the creation of a characterful building sympathetically designed to reflect the original streetscape that was set out in the 1800s.

With high-quality finishes throughout, the energy-efficient building will be completed with multi-use common areas, laundry facilities, cycle-storage, underground bin facilities, a gym and a community room.

A planning application was approved by the City of Edinburgh Council in June 2020 and the scheme is expected to complete in late summer 2023. It is expected that the construction of the development will create 12 jobs and on a longer-term basis, create 10 jobs for the maintenance and security of the site.

Gary Holmes, regional managing director for GRAHAM’s Building division, said:

“Glencairn Properties has a track record of delivering high-quality homes and we are very pleased to work with their team to deliver the Montrose Terrace scheme as they expand their purpose-built student accommodation portfolio.

GRAHAM’s expertise across the student accommodation sector will bring a wealth of knowledge to the build. Edinburgh’s world-renowned universities and colleges drive a significant volume of investment within the city, and it is important that there is the correct level of accommodation to match student intake which Montrose Terrace will help to achieve.”

Daryl Teague, managing director at Glencairn Properties, said:

“Edinburgh is a diverse city with a large student population. Our investment into this state-of-the-art accommodation matches the quality of education available.

“We are thrilled to get underway to deliver prime student accommodation in the heart of the city, transforming a currently derelict site into a space that is cleverly designed for modern-day lifestyle habits. The community support from the outset, has been very encouraging and we are confident that it will help to boost the economy through tenancies and job creation.”

56three Architects and Will Rudd Davidson were appointed as the architect and consultant engineer on the scheme respectively.