Belfast’s Biscuit Factory ready to welcome first students
GRAHAM completes £50 million, 724-bed PBSA development at Little Donegall Street
Biscuit Factory, a 724-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Belfast, has reached practical completion, with students set to take up residency in September 2026.
The £50 million development, located on Little Donegall Street, was delivered by contractor GRAHAM on behalf of LDS Dev Co, with Lacuna Developments acting as the development manager.
The scheme comprises a mix of studio and cluster flats across ten storeys, alongside a suite of social and wellbeing amenities designed to support student life.
Located close to Ulster University, the complex is now under the management of student accommodation operator, Fresh Property Group.
Named in recognition of its history, the development occupies the site of the former Marsh & Co biscuit factory, established in 1881 and renowned across the region for its produce. The factory closed in 1928, and the building sustained significant damage in the 1970s.
The investment by LDS Dev Co has transformed the site into one of Belfast’s newest student-living destinations, combining contemporary design with a programme of amenities that foster community and support student wellbeing.
Biscuit Factory marks GRAHAM’s fourth PBSA project in partnership with Lacuna Developments in Belfast.
Ciaran Leahy, contracts manager at GRAHAM, said: ” Biscuit Factory is a significant addition to Belfast’s student accommodation landscape, and reaching practical completion on a project of this scale reflects the quality and commitment of everyone involved in its delivery.
“GRAHAM has a long track record of creating complex PBSA schemes, and this development builds on the foundations we established with Lacuna Developments at Nelson Street. We look forward to seeing students move in ahead of the next academic year and hope they benefit from being part of such a vibrant, connected community.”
Linsey Cullen, operations director at Fresh Property Group, said: “We are excited to see Biscuit Factory reach this milestone, and can’t wait to welcome the first cohort of residents to their new home. The completion of Biscuit Factory marks an outstanding new student scheme for the city that acknowledges Belfast’s heritage while providing a modern student living experience.
“From developing Biscuit Factory’s bespoke branding, to helping students choose their perfect room in the scheme, we’re delighted to have been on board this journey with GRAHAM and Lacuna Developments. We look forward to delivering continual operational success for Biscuit Factory, and welcoming students from September.”
Brian McCracken, funding partner, LDS Dev Co said: “We are thrilled to see Biscuit Factory reach completion on time and within budget.
“The design and build quality highlight the modern, sustainable, high specification nature of the building, with all its amenities offering a high-level space and home for students in Belfast.”
