In a significant development for the UK’s Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market, Unite Students has announced the topping out of Burnet Point, a £59 million project located on Abbey Lane, Edinburgh. This mixed-use development comprises 298 student bedrooms designed as both studios and cluster flats, alongside 66 residential apartments and 17 affordable homes managed in partnership with Hillcrest Homes. The project is on track to welcome students by the 2025/26 academic year, reflecting a strong commitment to meet the ongoing demand for quality student housing in the area.
Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, highlighted that this milestone exemplifies their efforts to deliver high-quality, affordable accommodations amidst acute supply challenges in Edinburgh. The addition of this PBSA is not only expected to alleviate housing shortages but will also help to free up privately rented homes for families in the city, thus addressing broader housing market pressures.
Sustainability is a key focus for this project, as Burnet Point has been touted as Unite’s lowest-carbon new build to date. The construction utilized low-carbon concrete and timber composite materials, aligning with the increasing industry emphasis on environmentally sustainable practices. Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director at GRAHAM, emphasized that the topping-out ceremony is a testament to the dedication and collaborative effort among all partners involved in the project.
The demand for PBSA in Edinburgh is particularly robust, with students constituting nearly 20% of the city’s population. Current projections indicate that the city requires an additional 17,000 PBSA beds to adequately serve the growing student demographic. This burgeoning demand presents both a challenge and an opportunity for PBSA investors and developers, highlighting the need for innovative housing solutions that can adapt to fluctuating demand while remaining environmentally responsible.