Mace has appointed both Galliford Try and Sir Robert McAlpine to deliver two separate student accommodation developments in Exeter and Cardiff.

In Cardiff, Galliford Try will develop a 644-bed scheme on the former West Wing of the Cardiff Royal Infirmary, on Glossop Road in the Adamsdown area of the city.

The 10-storey project will feature a mix of apartments, studio-style living and cluster accommodation. Other highlights will include an on-site media room, gym and yoga studio, private dining and study areas. A private courtyard will provide a dedicated open space for students and two retail units will front onto Glossop Road.

Elsewhere, McAlpine will deliver a 599-bed mixed-use scheme on Belgrave Road in Exeter city centre. As well as developing 20,000 sq ft of retail space, the student beds will be spread over eight storeys and incorporate a mixture of apartments, studio-style living and cluster accommodation alongside a range of onsite facilities and amenities. The retail element will include a mix of shops, restaurants and bars.

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Both developments are scheduled to be complete in time for the beginning of the 2019/20 academic year.

David Grover, Mace's Chief Operating Office for Development, said: "The appointment of contractors for these schemes marks a major step forward for our student housing portfolio. Over the last two years, Mace has been strategically investing in a diverse portfolio of student housing projects across the UK's major university towns. We are continuing this approach and are still looking for potential development sites.

"The schemes themselves will have a major impact in both cities, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth, reduce the pressure on local housing stock and make Cardiff and Exeter more attractive to potential students."

Mark Wusthoff, Galliford Try's South West Area Director, said: "We are delighted to have been trusted by Mace with this much-needed student accommodation project for Cardiff.

"We have an excellent track record in providing high-quality accommodation within Wales and we look forward to building on that reputation at Glossop Road in conjunction with all the stakeholders involved."

Peter Munn, Sir Robert McAlpine's Managing Director for Wales and West, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this exciting new student accommodation project and are looking forward to working with the Mace team in the weeks and months ahead."

Image: CGI of 599-bed scheme in Exeter.

(LM/MH)