Aviva Investors has agreed to acquire and forward fund a fully amortising lease for the creation of a new student village at Staffordshire University. 

The new student village scheme will be located at the University’s Stoke-on-Trent Campus on its Leek Road site. It is expected to deliver approximately 700 new beds, as well as a new Student Hub on a vacant brownfield site adjacent to the existing accommodation, whilst also refurbishing 297 existing bed facilities at Clarice Cliff Court.

Mark Wells, Fund Manager, Real Estate Long Income, at Aviva investors, said: “We are pleased to have been chosen as preferred funder for what will be a transformative and vibrant project. Strong demand and a shortage in the supply of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation in many submarkets has increased rents for students across the country. With the student population expected to keep growing, it’s incredibly important that the accommodation on offer is revamped and added to where possible. Staffordshire University is known for its strong focus on Computer Science, Games Design and Film Production, all of which are exciting growth areas. We think this will position it well for growth into the future.” 

Students will benefit from easy access to the new student hub and the main university campus, including the Catalyst Building which comprises a high-tech regional hub for students, staff and employers, as well as catering facilities.  

Upon completion of the new development, existing accommodation at the Leek Road site will be demolished to make way for the creation of new green space on campus.  

The new-build accommodation, together with the new Student Hub facility, are expected to be ready for the new intake of students in September 2026. The refurbished Clarice Cliff Court facilities are currently expected to be delivered in a phased programme for intakes of students in September 2024, 2025, and 2026 respectively.