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Equitix consortium named as preferred bidder for 1400-bed accommodation project at University of York

22 May 2018

A consortium comprising Equitix, a market-leading investor and fund manager of core infrastructure assets, and privately-owned Graham Construction has been named as the preferred bidder for a major 1400-bed student accommodation project for the University of York.

The £113 million ‘Campus East’ development will take two years to complete, with financial close forecast for November this year and work expected to commence in January 2019.

This latest project consolidates Equitix’s reputation as a leading developer of student accommodation projects across the UK. Named the Student Accommodation Investor of the Year for 2017 by Property Week, Equitix now has well-established and durable relationships with both clients and partners across the country.

Geoff Jackson, Chief Executive Officerof Equitix, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as the preferredbidder for this project. The University of York is one of the UK’s most highlyregarded academic institutions and continues to face ever-growing demand fromstudents from around the world. The new accommodation will help meet thisinterest and ensure that the students of the University reside, study andsocialise in an environment appropriate to the University’s reputation.”

The University of York, which was established in 1963, is a Russell Group member and is ranked 16th in the University Guide 2018 published by The Times newspaper. In addition to the Campus East development, it has also committed to invest £400 million into a major programme of works across its Heslington West and Heslington East campuses to provide high quality accommodation to its growing student population.

Michael Graham, Executive Chairman of Graham Construction said, “This is another fantastic win for GRAHAM and builds on our strong pipeline of projects in the region,following the opening of our Leeds office in 2017. “As investor and contractor Graham bring extensive experience of the student accommodation sector. The project will utilise a state-of-the-art offsite manufacturing facility located in the north of England, to provide a best in class development that will form a striking gateway to the University of York’s Heslington East Campus. “We’re committed to providing outstanding student accommodation and the 1400 beds delivered across the first phase of this project will bring our total output to over 10,000 beds in the past 5 years. We look forward to not only developing this fantastic scheme, but also having a positive impact on the local community by employing local businesses, engaging with the community and constructing a sustainable development that connects with and respects York’s historic environment.”

Koen Lamberts, Vice Chancellor of the University of York, said: “We have been keen to source a partner which shares our aims of quality and commitment to excellence. The new accommodation will provide a modern environment for students which promotes their well-being and personal development.”

Equitix was established to deliver and manage infrastructure projects from bidding and closing through to construction and service provision. It is independent and is a socially responsible investor.