CCG starts work on Glasgow and Edinburgh student apartments

The former Willowbank Primary School
The former Willowbank Primary School

Work is underway to create over 400 new student apartments in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The developments at Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh and Willowbank in Glasgow’s West End will see Glasgow based construction and manufacturing specialist CCG (Scotland) Ltd utilise the latest offsite construction methods to build high quality and environmentally efficient accommodation in the quickest time possible.

Calum Murray, director of CCG (Scotland) Ltd, said: “CCG is delighted to be working with partners to provide contemporary, high quality student accommodation in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Using our state of the art offsite manufacturing will enable us to build the homes quickly and to a factory quality standard supporting both projects sustainability ambitions.”



The development at Willowbank, on the site of the former Willowbank Primary School, is located in the popular West End of Glasgow close to the University of Glasgow and vibrant student areas of Byres Road and Ashton Lane. Willowbank will create 178 student apartments through the development of four distinct buildings including the retention and sensitive renovation of the existing school. Sustainability has been integral to the design with vibrant social space in the atrium and landscaped grounds. A low carbon footprint has been achieved through a range of measures including a combined heat and power plant and good links to public transport including the provision of 90 cycle parking spaces.

A typical empiric unit at Willowbank
A typical empiric unit at Willowbank

The apartments offer a range of living options including spacious studio, one and two bedroom fully self contained apartments each with large windows to maximise light, ensuite shower rooms, study desk, ample storage, lounge seating and kitchen with breakfast bar seating. There will also be cluster apartments available for groups of friends who want to live together.

Paul Hadaway, chief executive of project developer Empiric Student Property plc, said: “We are excited by our investment in the development of Willowbank Crescent, which is in a super-prime location in the West End of Glasgow. The development of the site will be via a 50/50 joint venture arrangement with Revcap Advisers. We are looking forward to working with CCG to deliver a first class, high specification student accommodation property in time for the 2016/17 academic year.”



The second development at Orwell Terrace in Dalry, on the site of a former warehouse, is to provide new student accommodation for Edinburgh Napier University and will create 234 student rooms over three blocks. The modern student rooms will include landscaped communal space and have good access to public transport with Haymarket station a short walk away as well as the provision of cycle storage. The scheme will achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating assisted by a Combined Heat and Power plant. The development will also have a link to Dalry Park.

How the Orwell Terrace development will look
How the Orwell Terrace development will look

The scheme will feature a round building as its focal point, creating architectural interest.

Mark McNamee managing director of Develop Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to be working with CCG to deliver this project for Edinburgh Napier University. Our partnering approach has produced many benefits to the scheme, and we look forward to opening the doors to the Students in September 2016.”



Both projects are due for completion in time for the 2016 / 17 student year.


Share icon
Share this article: