Farrans completes 20-storey student accommodation in Leeds

Building and civil engineering contractor, Farrans Construction, has completed and handed over a 20-storey student residential scheme in Leeds city centre.

A total of 212 studio apartments have been provided in the Live Oasis St Albans Place development, for client Infinity Construction Enterprise, part of the YPP Group.

Featuring en-suite bedrooms, kitchens and living facilities, the development also has a range of communal spaces including a gym, communal lounge, study spaces, wellbeing lounge and eighth floor roof terrace. 

Farrans continues to build on its presence in the region having recently been appointed as the main contractor for the Phase 1 terminal extension as part of a £100m regeneration project at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA). 

The company has also secured a spot on a major works framework covering highways and transportation projects in Yorkshire. 

Alongside the alliance partners, Farrans will deliver projects valued over £7m. The framework firms will be used by Leeds Council and the wider Yorkshire Highways Alliance, which also includes the councils of Bradford, Wakefield, Kirklees Council, York and Calderdale. 

It will also be available to any local authorities or contracting authorities who are a wholly owned subsidiary of the local authorities within the Yorkshire and Humber region.

Cathal Montague, regional director for Farrans Construction, said: “Our experience of constructing student accommodation and high-rise properties using sustainable approaches means that we were well placed to deliver a cutting-edge design which relied exclusively on precast construction from the first floor upwards with a façade design and high-quality material palette. 

“We have been able to optimise the speed of construction using innovative technology without compromising on the luxury finish.

"The precast panels offer a more sustainable approach to construction delivery as well as working well in a tight site footprint. We are looking forward to continuing our construction and civil engineering work in this region while also building on the relationships we have made so far.”

The development is managed by YPP Student and Professional Lettings, which currently manages more than 2,000 beds and 50 properties across seven cities with plans to expand further. 

Harry Granger, head of marketing and business change at YPP, said: “When we were planning St Albans Place in Leeds we wanted to achieve a new level of luxury for the student accommodation market. 

“Our completed building provides the ultimate all-inclusive experience in the heart of Leeds city centre, an easy walk from cafes, restaurants, shops and a thriving student community. The bespoke apartments are spaces made for high-quality living while studying. 

“We selected Farrans based on their experience in the student accommodation sector and also because they have delivered multi-room, tall buildings.”