Big student scheme planned for ex-Royal Mail site sold

Godwin Developments has sold a planned 783 bed student scheme set to be built on a former Royal Mail site in Nottingham.

London-based Bricks Group has bought the Bendigo Buildings scheme in central Nottingham, which has planning permission for a mix of studio apartments, four, five and six-bedroom clusters and accessible studio rooms.

Godwin Developments, which has offices in Birmingham, London and Nottingham, acquired the Royal Mail site in June 2020 and the neighbouring Cowan Street site in 2021.

It secured full planning permission for both plots last year which it said would help regenerate the St Ann’s area and provide new accommodation less than half a mile from Nottingham Trent University.

The new build will have air source heat pumps, photovoltaic (PV) roof panels and other energy efficient elements.

Matt Chandler, managing director at Godwin Developments, said: “Representing one of our largest consented schemes to date, the Bendigo Buildings utilised our in-house expertise to work up and achieve planning for this compelling scheme on a brownfield site which will bring significant regeneration benefits to the city.

“We are pleased that dynamic student, hotel and co-living property company Bricks Group will now take the project forward into delivering a new thriving student hub for Nottingham.

“Nottingham has significant unmet demand of student beds and with increasing student numbers expected as both universities continue their expansion plans, there is a clear requirement for more dedicated student spaces where young people can live, study, and socialise together.

“The Bendigo Buildings helps cater to this demand whilst also supporting the council’s ambitions to keep the city centre vibrant, provide better quality student housing, and protect further traditional family housing from being converted for student occupation as well as bringing substantial investment to the city.”

Peter Prickett, founder and chief executive of Bricks Group, said: “It’s great to purchase such a fantastic site in the amazing city of Nottingham.

“This demonstrates the Bricks Group’s continued growth plans within the PBSA marketplace, with our true student brand offering the ultimate student experience and setting new standards.

“We’ll also be looking to integrate UTime fitness and doza (doughnuts and pizza concept) as part of our ecosystem of lifestyle brands.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the team at Godwin – a relationship we look forward to building upon with future collaborations together.”

Irwin Mitchell and CBRE advised Godwin Developments on the transaction.