HGP, the Lloyds-backed equity investor in the UK Living sector, has joined forces with leading living-led developer HUB and sustainable investment specialist Bridges Fund Management to deliver Shore Station, a student-living scheme in Leith, Edinburgh. The joint venture will bring forward and facilitate the operations of the 604-bed project, with BGO, the lender, providing a circa £79 million development loan.
With enabling works already complete, McAleer & Rushe has been appointed to begin the next stage of construction, with completion targeted ahead of the 2027/28 academic year.
The project, designed by Edinburgh-based Michael Laird Architects, will transform a former gasworks and naval yard into the largest single-site student-living scheme in the Scottish capital, featuring 604 ensuite rooms alongside amenity spaces and landscaped gardens with 50 new trees.
By reusing and repurposing all three of the existing historic buildings on site, important heritage will be protected. It also saves 3,260 tonnes of carbon in the process, when compared to what would have been required to construct entirely new buildings. The project will be delivered to the highest sustainability standards, targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Shore Station will offer an elevated student-living concept and campus, centred around a landscaped central square and courtyard garden, and within walking distance of The Shore, the sought-after Leith neighbourhood. Design-led internal and external amenity spaces – a substantial 8.3 sqm per person – will be spread across the campus-style development to prioritise wellbeing and collaboration. Features will include study rooms and collaboration spaces, a lounge, relaxation room, courtyards, herb garden, cinema, gym, and abundant cycle storage spaces.
Alongside a network of bus links, Leith benefits from access to the city’s tram line, providing a 15-minute journey to Edinburgh’s West End, Old Town and city centre, alongside access to Edinburgh’s four universities and their respective campuses.