![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/GMI-FossIslandsRoadWEB-640x360.jpg\" "\\"GMI-FossIslandsRoadWEB\\"\/")
(L-R): John McGee, Managing Director of Gregory Property Group, Urbium Capital\u2019s Investment Director Iain McKillop and CEO Suliman Aujan, Philp Lees, Project Director, Gregory Property Group, and Ed Weston, GMI\u2019s Regional Director, Yorkshire, mark the topping out<\/p>\n
A purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on Foss Islands Road in York has reached full structural height, marking a major milestone ahead of completion for the 2026\/27 academic year.<\/p>\n
Leeds-headquartered GMI Construction Group has celebrated the topping out of the 133-bed scheme with a ceremony attended by key project partners and stakeholders, as the three, four and five-storey development moves into its final phase of construction.<\/p>\n
The scheme is being delivered by GMI for Urbium Capital and Otley-based Gregory Property Group. Once complete, it will provide a mix of premium studios and two one-bedroom apartments, alongside a range of shared amenities including study spaces, a gym, multi-functional social areas and landscaped courtyards.<\/p>\n
The development occupies a brownfield site previously home to Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Just Tyres and is strategically located between the University of York and York St John University, within close proximity of York city centre.<\/p>\n
Sustainability is a key focus, with the scheme targeting BREEAM \u2018Excellent\u2019, EPC A and WiredScore Platinum. A largely car-free design is supported through the use of air-source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging and secure cycle storage, while strict air quality, water efficiency and carbon standards are being met in line with the site\u2019s location within York\u2019s Air Quality Management Area.<\/p>\n
Guests attending the topping-out event were given a tour of the site to view construction progress as the structure reached its final height.<\/p>\n
The Foss Islands Road scheme further strengthens GMI\u2019s presence in York\u2019s student accommodation sector. Earlier this year, the contractor completed the \u00a350m, 275-bed PBSA on Fishergate for Olympian Homes and the \u00a322m Raffles Hall on James Street for S Harrison Developments, which will provide accommodation for 303 students.<\/p>\n
Ed Weston, GMI\u2019s Regional Director, Yorkshire, said: \u201cReaching the topping-out stage is a significant moment for everyone involved in this development. The team has worked incredibly hard to bring the project to this point, and it\u2019s great to see the building taking shape.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re also pleased to be playing a part in addressing the shortage of high-quality, sustainable dedicated student accommodation that will have a positive impact on both the city and student accommodation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Suliman Aujan, founder and CEO of Urbium Capital, said: \u201cThis milestone reflects strong progress on what is a transformational scheme for this site. Foss Islands Road is ideally located for students and will help address the city\u2019s significant shortage of dedicated accommodation. Our partnership with GMI has been excellent, and we look forward to seeing the development completed and in use as an asset that supports York\u2019s thriving student economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
John McGhee, Managing Director of Gregory Property Group, added: \u201cTo see the development reach the topping out stage is extremely exciting. It\u2019s a testament to the hard work, expertise and determination that has gone into bringing it out of the ground, and the results speak for themselves. We\u2019re proud of the progress made so far and look forward to delivering a scheme that will bring long-term benefit to the area.\u201d<\/p>\n