Crosslane Student Developments, part of the Crosslane Group, is announcing that it has begun the construction of a new 614 bed purpose-built student accommodation development on Friars’ Road in Coventry.

The development comprises six new residential blocks each at different stepped heights of three, seven and ten storeys, rising to a 20 storey tower in the south-west corner of the site. The building is laid out in a V-shape to form a large, private landscaped courtyard, within which residents can study, collaborate, socialise and relax.

The site is located at the junction of Friars’ Road and St Patrick’s Road, within the Coventry Ring Road. It is in the south of the city centre, conveniently placed near the city’s most popular shopping locales including The Precinct, Smithford Way and Coventry Market, in addition to tourist attractions such as Coventry Cathedral and the famous statue of Lady Godiva. The site is a short walk from the main campus of Coventry University as well as being very close to the city’s mainline train station which offers regular bus services for students attending Warwick University.

Students will be able to choose from one of the 135 high specification self-contained ensuite studio apartments, one of the 5 two bed apartments, or from the 459 premium ensuite flats, available in clusters from four to six bedrooms. The set-up encourages students to live in groups, make new friends and provide cultural opportunities as part of their university experience, as well as providing rooms at more affordable rent prices. Cluster flats will share a spacious lounge, kitchen and dining area including a washer/dryer, which has proved particularly popular in other properties Crosslane has developed.

A key component of the development is the dedicated shared areas to encourage residents to socialise and create a community. This includes a large high-specification common room with a games zone and study hub, on-site gym, cinema/multi-media room, study room meeting hubs and kitchen/dining facilities for private entertainment. A tenth floor sky lounge and outdoor rooftop terrace will give residents the chance to socialise and celebrate in style with impressive views of the city skyline while superfast 100MB broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the building will provide residents with a first-class experience.

The development will take less than two years to complete and is scheduled to be finished before the start of the 2019-2020 academic year. Prime Student Living, the student accommodation lettings and operational management arm of the Crosslane Group, will be responsible for achieving full occupancy prior to practical completion.

Coventry University is one of the fastest growing universities in the UK, with this year’s student numbers eight per cent higher than 2016 and 50 per cent higher than in 2011. The increase in the student population has boosted the city’s economy and the City Council has committed to a £300million City Centre South redevelopment project. This development in a prime location will satisfy some of the rapidly increasing demand for student accommodation in Coventry, freeing up homes which could be occupied by the city’s families.

Crosslane has appointed DAY Architectural as the architects and RG Group as the Main Contractor for the development.

Mike Moran, Development Manager, Crosslane Student Developments, said:

“Crosslane is delighted to have begun work on its first student accommodation development in Coventry. The scheme will be a gateway from the station into the heart of the city centre and is a short walk from Coventry University and the city’s main amenities and tourist attractions. In supplying 614 beds, the development will ease the imbalance in supply and demand for purpose-built student accommodation in Coventry.”

Dave Dixon, Managing Director, RG Group, said:

“As the main contractor for Friars’ Road, we are delighted to be working with Crosslane on this exciting scheme in Coventry, due to open in time for the 2019-2020 academic year. Our team has built up significant expertise in the student accommodation sector and the building will be completed to the highest modern construction standards and a great addition to Coventry’s skyline.”