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Unite and Watkin-Jones celebrate topping out of 378 bed property in Hudddersfield – 04 April 2014

10 November 2016

UNITE, the UK’s leading manager and developer of purpose built student accommodation, today celebrates the topping out of their new Huddersfield property, ‘Saw Mill’, in a joint celebration with construction partner Watkins-Jones

Following demand for well managed purpose built student accommodation in the Huddersfield area, UNITE’s new development will provide an additional 378 beds for the 2014/15 academic year. Located close to the main University campus, near the Firth Street area of town, the development represents an investment of £14 million.

The topping out celebrates the completion of the structural phase of what will be UNITE’s third development in the city. UNITE opened its first student home in Huddersfield in 2004. In the past ten years the Group has boosted the local economy through construction work, contracts with local suppliers and providing employment for the 11 people who manage its properties. The construction of Saw Mill has provided employment for over 70 site workers and once complete will provide an additional 4 permanent jobs.  

The Huddersfield team, led by Fritha Jaine, work closely with local voluntary groups and the local community providing opportunities for students to get involved whilst also helping them further their employability opportunities.

Today’s topping out ceremony was performed by Nosheen Dad, President of the Huddersfield student union. She said:

“The NUS constantly strive to enhance the student experience, for a student finding a home that provides the right environment to support their studies, that also help them integrate into university life and their local community is invaluable and it is great to see the work that UNITE are doing in providing this.”

Richard Simpson, Managing Director of Property for UNITE, said: 

“This new student home in Huddersfield is part of UNITE’s targeted regional development programme, which will see new properties open in Bristol, Newcastle, Aberdeen and Edinburgh in the next few years.

“The development of well-managed, purpose built student accommodation is really important in areas which are home to large student populations in order to ease the pressure on the private rented market. With 23 years’ experience in the sector we pride ourselves on securing the best locations for our students and providing homes that meet their needs whilst at University. This development will ensure we continue to provide a home for students with the right living and studying conditions to support their success.”

UNITE’s new, wholly owned Huddersfield property is made up of 17 studios and 56 shared flats, all with en-suite bathrooms. Once finished the property will provide students with a home that supports their success with features such LED lighting, landscaped gardens, Wi-Fi internet throughout and communal areas for students to relax and socialise in. It is being built entirely to UNITE’s new specification room design which provides a modern, high quality look and feel, at an affordable price point.