Topland – one of the UK’s largest privately owned investment groups – has gained consent for a landmark development of 585 student beds in Cardiff city centre.
The scheme, on Greyfriars Road, will be centered around a 28-storey tower, replacing a vacant 1960s office building, Friary House, that formerly housed Tiger Tiger nightclub.
The design-led scheme, from architects Rio and Westworks, will have far reaching views over the city centre and Cardiff Castle and provide a mix of studio, en-suite clusters and one bed apartments together with amenity space, a roof garden, and commercial space at ground floor.
The city centre, home to Russell Group Cardiff University, is experiencing a significant undersupply of student accommodation, with 57% of students unable to access accommodation.
Topland have worked with its development partner Colico Living to achieve the consent, having previously worked successfully together on Paradise View, a high quality BTR scheme in Birmingham city centre.
William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group said: “This is another example of Topland investing in its portfolio to re-purpose assets and add value. This will be a great addition to the city centre, providing much needed high quality, sustainable student accommodation.”
Jon Stewart, director of Colico Living, said: “We are delighted to be working with Topland Group on what will be a fantastic addition to the Cardiff skyline. The redevelopment of Friary House to provide best in class student accommodation in a prime city centre location in the Welsh Capital City is a project we are proud of and excited to be involved with.”
