Unite Students, the UK’s largest owner, manager and developer of purpose-built student accommodation, has been granted planning approval for a new 700-bed development in Nottingham.

The development, which is located adjacent to the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, is planned to open in time for the 2023/24 academic year. The total development costs will be £57m.

It will consist of 661 cluster flats with en-suite bathrooms and 39 studio apartments.

The development aims to be net-zero carbon once open, running on 100 per cent renewable electricity with solar panels installed on the roof and an all-electric heating system, including air-source heat pumps.

The new complex, which is a former car showroom site, will also provide a commercial building for external use. Additionally, there will be extensive green public open space, as well as substantial biodiversity improvements to the land around the property, with improved access to the River Leen.

“The development supports our strategy of increasing our alignment to the strongest universities and will help to deliver operational efficiencies through greater scale in Nottingham” explains Nick Hayes, Unite Students’ Group property director.