PROPERTY development company, S Harrison, has appointed Thomas Johnstone Ltd to build a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme just off Newington Road in Edinburgh.
Work starts this month on the project, which has seen an old, disused commercial unit demolished ahead of the build of a modern, four-storey building with 65 studio rooms. There will also be a multimedia room, gym, break out space, cycle storage and open courtyard.
The scheme will be heated using air source heat pumps, which will provide an EPC rating of A.
David Clancy from S Harrison said, “We’re very pleased to appoint a reputable and longstanding local contractor on this project, which will give a brownfield site in a popular conservation area a new lease of life. We’re now looking forward to work starting in June and we’ll continue to work closely with the local community throughout the project to maintain and build on the strong relationships that we worked hard to forge throughout the planning process.”
Thomas Johnstone Ltd will run the project from its Edinburgh office. Regional construction director Gordon Cameron added, “With several high quality PBSA schemes in our portfolio, a wealth of experience throughout our 156 years of delivering excellence, and an established supply chain in the local area, this contract plays to our strengths and we’re excited to get started.”
Earlier this year S Harrison agreed a forward funding deal with Q Investment Partners (QIP) to deliver the East Newington Place scheme, along with a second 76-bedroom PBSA development in Canongate, which will complete in time for the start of the 2026 academic year.
