UK: GMI Construction Group has been selected by developer Olympian Homes to build a £50 million PBSA scheme on the site of the former Mecca Bingo Hall on York’s Fishergate.
The Leeds-based contractor will build 275 units in a four-storey building covering 80,000 square feet. Facilities will include a gym yoga studio, games room, cinema, coworking space, communal dining areas, integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards.
The project is being delivered in partnership with funder Cain International. Construction of the purpose-built student flats (PBSA) is due to begin shortly, after archaeological works are finished. The site is located within an area of archaeological importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once the archaeological works are complete.
The scheme will be called Rialto House, recognising the cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963. Latterly the site of the cinema became a car park for the adjacent bingo hall, which has also since closed and is included in the footprint of the scheme.
Following analysis of rental markets in the locations of the top 50 UK universities it was reported earlier this year that York had the highest demand for PBSA in the country.
Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s regional director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York. Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.”
James Lindridge, COO and development director at Olympian Homes, added: “This marks the delivery phase of another scheme for Olympian Homes and aims to address the undersupply of high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation within York. It has been a pleasure to work with the Council, local stakeholders and GMI to deliver this scheme.
