GRAHAM has announced the start of construction work on a new £59m low-carbon development in Edinburgh which combines student flats, build-to-rent and affordable homes.

The Burnet Point scheme in Abbey Lane is the first-ever mixed-use residential development of its kind by Unite Students, one of the UK's largest student accommodation providers.

The pioneering development will use low-carbon concrete and timber composite, an environmentally friendly alternative to natural wood. Carbon lifecycle assessments show Burnet Point will be Unite Students' lowest-carbon new-build project.

As well as 298 student bedrooms across cluster and studio flats, with communal spaces and accessible landscaped roof areas, Burnet Point will also provide 66 one-, two- and three-bedroom flats for rent, including 17 affordable units managed by Hillcrest Homes.

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said:


"This is the company's first combined development of purpose-built student accommodation, build-to-rent and affordable housing. We look forward to contributing positively to the student and private rental market in Edinburgh to help address the supply-demand imbalance in the city. This development reflects Unite Students' ongoing commitment to provide high-standard, affordable student accommodation in locations where demand is greatest.

"We are excited to build our lowest carbon new-build property to date in our portfolio. The development will also contribute to the regeneration of the local area, which has seen significant investment in recent years. We are working closely with the community and later this year will offer a dedicated space for use by a local charity which is aligned with our purpose of creating a Home for Success."

David Milton, Hillcrest Head of Development, added:

"This is an exciting project, and a fantastic example of true tenure blind community of a variety of housing and tenure types. These low-carbon homes will also contribute greatly towards achieving lower emissions and energy bills for tenants."

Gary Holmes, Regional Managing Director at GRAHAM Building North, said: "Burnet Point is a unique project which prioritises sustainable construction.

"The demand for student accommodation continues to grow and the build-to-rent market remains buoyant, giving us a strong pipeline of projects in the coming years."

GRAHAM has extensive experience of major build-to-rent and student accommodation schemes including Solasta Riverside in Glasgow and is currently on site at Bonnington Road in Edinburgh.

Burnet Point is scheduled to be completed in September next year, ready for the 2025/26 academic term.