Leading law firm plays key role in enhancing Leeds' student property market

22nd November 2017

Walker Morris has advised Unite Students on the acquisition of a development site, which is planned to provide accommodation for 1,000 students in the Leeds area. The site, which is expected to be opened in 2020, is located near to the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University and is just a short distance away from the city centre.

Four specialist lawyers from Walker Morris supported in the development of the £80 million project, providing their expertise in real estate, tax and construction. The Walker Morris team was comprised of Nick Cannon and Will Cousins from the Real Estate Team and Nicola Parkinson from the Tax Team.

Nick Cannon, from Walker Morris, said:” We’re pleased to have helped expand Leeds’ thriving student market with a site local to two of the city’s highest performing universities. The new accommodation complex will provide future generations of students with affordable and high-quality spaces in a prime area of Leeds, offering a solution which is both practical and cost-efficient.”

With support from Walker Morris, the development site is being purchased (subject to planning) from London & Scottish property and increases Unite’s Leeds portfolio to 4,470 beds. The project continues Walker Morris’ longstanding relationship with Unite. In 2016, Walker Morris gave construction and procurement advice to the housing specialist on the development of the largest student accommodation scheme seen in Portsmouth.