Business

MRP to deliver 271-bed student accommodation block in Belfast

How the new MPR/Vita development will look when it opens for the 2023/24 academic year
How the new MPR/Vita development will look when it opens for the 2023/24 academic year How the new MPR/Vita development will look when it opens for the 2023/24 academic year

THE investment and development arm of Co Tyrone construction group McAleer & Rushe has announced a forward funding deal with student accommodation provider Vita to develop 271 student apartments in Belfast.

Set to support the growing demand for student living space in the city centre, it's the third partnership between MRP and Vita, with work already under way on the £105m Cannon Park development in Coventry, and planning submitted for another site in Birmingham.

The 15-storey student tower block just off Belfast’s Great Victoria Street, which was approved last December, comprises 271 studio apartments within Vita Student’s mix of amenity space, including large design-led hub spaces, private study and dining rooms and a gym.

McAleer & Rushe begun construction in January, with the development set to complete next summer in time for the 2023/24 student year intake.

Max Bielby, chief operating officer for Vita Group said: “Belfast presents an exciting opportunity for us. The city attracts top talent from around the world to study at its main universities and is currently under-served by existing purpose-built student accommodation.

“This puts pressures on the local housing market and so there is pent up demand for quality student accommodation, helping to attract more talent from Northern Ireland and around the world.

“We are pleased to build on our partnership with MRP in creating the best student living experience Belfast has ever seen.”

MRP is now largely split into two specific divisions - one to manage property development and group investments, and a second design and build subsidiary, for its major construction arm McAleer & Rushe.

Graham Mitchell, development director at MRP said: “We're delighted to announce another funding deal with Vita, one of the leading providers of student accommodation, building on our strong working partnership to date.

“This project supports the very significant demand there is for student accommodation in Belfast city centre and help to further improve the broad appeal of Belfast as a location for international students.

“It will deliver exceptionally high-quality living space in a prominent location with great access to transport infrastructure and close proximity to Belfast’s main university campuses.

“Combined with Vita’s top level of on-site services, it will significantly add to Belfast’s vibrant student offering and create an experience for the residents, which is not currently available in the market.”

Designed by Todd Architects, the proposed red brick building will have a five storey podium base on Bruce Street upon which a narrower 10-storey element is set back above.