Carlton Hill, a flagship Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) development in Leeds, has been shortlisted for the Property Week Student Accommodation of the Year Awards. The development, which opened for the 2023/24 academic year, has been recognised in the Private Halls of Residence category.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 4th December at Wembley Stadium, as part of the annual Student Accommodation Conference and Awards. Carlton Hill, a £65 million development, offers 604 high-quality student beds, replacing a former 239-bed facility, and is setting a new standard for student living in the heart of Leeds.
Developed by Pickard Properties, the scheme aims to blend sustainability, community, and student wellbeing. Miles Pickard, Director at Pickard Properties, expressed his excitement over the nomination:
“We’re thrilled that Carlton Hill has been recognised for its commitment to enhancing the student experience in Leeds. This shortlisting reflects our dedication to creating a supportive and sustainable environment that prioritises the wellbeing of our student residents.”
Setting a Benchmark for Student Living
Carlton Hill’s design prioritises student wellbeing with several key features, including larger-than-average bedrooms and communal spaces. The building offers students access to a well-equipped gym, landscaped sky gardens, and a roof terrace, all designed to encourage relaxation and social interaction. Additionally, the ground floor communal areas and a large video wall enhance the sense of community, helping to foster a vibrant, inclusive environment for residents.
The development is managed by Unipol, a student charity and operator, which provides on-site support and organises various social events throughout the year, including Eurovision nights and cultural celebrations such as Eid and Lunar New Year.
In its inaugural year, Carlton Hill has achieved a 4.8 rating on Google and a Net Promoter Score of 57, which significantly surpasses industry standards.
A Focus on Sustainability
Sustainability is at the core of Carlton Hill’s design. The development is one of the most eco-friendly student accommodations in Leeds, featuring an all-electric design powered by photovoltaic (PV) panels and air source heat pumps. This design aligns with Leeds’s 20-minute neighbourhood initiative and positions the building to meet future environmental standards.
Carlton Hill also boasts an EPC A rating and significantly reduces carbon emissions both during construction and ongoing operations, reinforcing its status as a leader in sustainable student accommodation.
Miles Pickard highlighted the importance of sustainability within the project, stating:
“We believe Carlton Hill represents the future of student accommodation, not just in Leeds but across the UK. This project exemplifies our commitment to raising the bar for student living, and it supports Leeds’s ambition to be a leading education city.”
As the awards ceremony approaches, Carlton Hill is considered a strong contender for the Student Accommodation of the Year Award, further solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking development.