Foss Islands Road PBSA Tops Out

GMI Construction Group has marked a major milestone on York’s Foss Islands Road purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, holding a topping-out ceremony for key project partners and stakeholders.

The three, four and five-storey, 133-bed development, being constructed under a £17m contract, has now reached full structural height, moving a step closer to completion ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

Developed in partnership by Urbium Capital and Otley-based Gregory Property Group, it will offer a mix of premium studios and two one-bedroom apartments, alongside a range of amenities, including study spaces, a gym, multi-functional social areas and landscaped courtyards.

Sustainability is central to the scheme, which is targeting BREEAM ‘Excellent’, EPC A and WiredScore Platinum. Air-source heat pumps, EV charging and secure cycle storage support a largely car-free design, while strict air-quality, water-efficiency and carbon standards are met in line with its location within York’s Air Quality Management Area.

Ideally positioned between the University of York and York St John University, and close to the city centre, the development will transform a brownfield site previously occupied by Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres.

Guests attending the topping-out event were given a tour of the progress and joined the GMI team on site to mark the final phase of construction.

The Foss Islands Road scheme builds on GMI’s strong track record in York’s PBSA sector, having this year also completed the £50m, 275-bed PBSA on Fishergate for Olympian Homes, and the £22m Raffles Hall on James Street for S Harrison Developments, which will accommodate 303 students.

Ed Weston, GMI’s Regional Director, Yorkshire, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage is a significant moment for everyone involved in this development. The team has worked incredibly hard to bring the project to this point, and it’s great to see the building taking shape.

“We’re also pleased to be playing a part in addressing the shortage of high-quality, sustainable dedicated student accommodation that will have a positive impact on both the city and student accommodation.”

Suliman Aujan, founder and CEO of Urbium Capital, added: “This milestone reflects strong progress on what is a transformational scheme for this site. Foss Islands Road is ideally located for students and will help address the city’s significant shortage of dedicated accommodation. Our partnership with GMI has been excellent, and we look forward to seeing the development completed and in use as an asset that supports York’s thriving student economy.”

John McGhee, Managing Director of Gregory Property Group, added: “To see the development reach the topping out stage is extremely exciting. It’s a testament to the hard work, expertise and determination that has gone into bringing it out of the ground, and the results speak for themselves. We’re proud of the progress made so far and look forward to delivering a scheme that will bring long-term benefit to the area.”