Developer secures £150m funding to create tallest building in Leeds and another in York

Olympian Homes has completed a £150m funding agreement with Cain International for the creation of 935 beds across two purpose-built student accommodation sites, creating the tallest building in Leeds.
Lizzie Murphy
By Lizzie Murphy
Published 20th Sep 2023, 16:45 BST

Cirrus Point in Leeds will comprise 660 beds over 255,000 sq ft. The 45-storey development will be the tallest building in the city and developers believe it will be the tallest sole-use purpose-built student accommodation building in the world at 191 metres.

The building will include a gym, yoga studio, cinema, games room, co-working, group dining facilities and roof terrace.

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Olympian acquired the site in 2021. The scheme will complement the adjacent 37-storey Altus House which Olympian built in 2021.

Cirrus Point in Leeds will comprise 660 beds over 255,000 sq ft. The 45-storey development will be the tallest building in the city. PIcture: Andy Stagg.Cirrus Point in Leeds will comprise 660 beds over 255,000 sq ft. The 45-storey development will be the tallest building in the city. PIcture: Andy Stagg.
Cirrus Point in Leeds will comprise 660 beds over 255,000 sq ft. The 45-storey development will be the tallest building in the city. PIcture: Andy Stagg.

RG Construction has started on site with completion due for the academic year 2026/27.

Rialto House on Fishergate in York will include 275 student bedrooms over 80,000 sq ft. It replaces the former Mecca bingo hall, which is now demolished, and will include a gym, yoga studio, cinema, games room, co-working, group dining facilities and landscaped courtyards.

GMI Construction has started on site with completion due for the 2025 academic year.

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Olympian Homes said that the deal highlighted the confidence in bringing forward international investment into the purpose-built student accommodation sector, demonstrating its resilience during a challenging economic climate.

Rialto House on Fishergate in York will include 275 student bedrooms over 80,000 sq ft.  It replaces the former Mecca bingo hall, which is now demolished.Rialto House on Fishergate in York will include 275 student bedrooms over 80,000 sq ft.  It replaces the former Mecca bingo hall, which is now demolished.
Rialto House on Fishergate in York will include 275 student bedrooms over 80,000 sq ft.  It replaces the former Mecca bingo hall, which is now demolished.

James Lindridge, chief operating officer and development director at Olympian Homes said: “We are excited about delivering these high-quality assets in partnership with Cain International, RG construction & GMI Construction in an environment of strong economic headwinds.

"Olympian has a strong pipeline of opportunities, and this marks the delivery phase for two assets on our land book and a new partnership with Cain International.”

Mark Slatter, chairman of Olympian, added: “This is truly a great piece of teamwork between York and Leeds City Councils, Olympian Homes and Cain International to deliver the funding for these landmark developments in very difficult property funding circumstances and would like thank everyone involved.”​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Related topics:LeedsYork