UNITE, one of Scotland's largest student accommodation providers, has announced the completion of a major milestone in the construction of its new 93 bedroom student development in the heart of Glasgow.

To mark the occasion Geoffrey Maddrell, UNITE's Chairman and Chris Birrell, Glasgow University Union's President, joined members of the construction team, Chard Construction, to perform a traditional topping out ceremony on October 29.

Attendees celebrated the completion of the superstructure and paid tribute to the accomplishment of the construction team, who completed the first stage of this complex build on the banks of the River Kelvin within schedule.

The development by UNITE is scheduled to be completed for January 2009, bringing the total number of beds operated by UNITE in Glasgow to 1,680. Gibson Street will welcome its first residents in January next year and on completion, the fully-furnished study bedrooms will reflect UNITE's distinctive style of student accommodation.


Customers will have a choice of room types including studio rooms for double occupancy and spacious apartments for up to six people. All rooms have been designed with the customer in mind, and will incorporate en-suite bathroom facilities, and fully furnished living spaces.

Location is a key priority for UNITE's customers, and Gibson Street was chosen precisely for its proximity to the West End and City Centre, Glasgow University and Glasgow's many transportation links.

To ensure that residents feel at home, Gibson Street will offer them a 'boutique style' common room with views of the River Kelvin, on-site professional management team and laundry facilities. To give students greater cost visibility, UNITE also offers an 'all inclusive rent' which includes a number of extras in its rental package such as; contents insurance, broadband and utility fees.

Alan Russell, UNITE's Regional Business Director in Scotland, said: "We are excited to be launching another development in Glasgow, which will bring the number of beds that UNITE provides to the city's students to some 1,680. Our new Gibson Street property has already proved very popular with students in Glasgow, and it is already three quarters booked.

"We look forward to welcoming our customers and working with Glasgow's' Universities to ensure we provide the right product and service to our residents."

(GK/JM)