Contract signed for York student accommodation block

GMI Construction Group has secured a contract with Olympian Homes for the construction of a £50M student accommodation scheme on the site of a former cinema and Bingo Hall in York.

Located to the south east of the city centre, in the Fulford area, the 7,430m² site will feature a four-storey building comprising 275 bedrooms and facilities including a gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working and group dining areas. In recognition of the location’s history, the scheme will also feature a cinema.

Other facilities will include integrated cycle parking and landscaped courtyards.

The site is located within an area of historical importance and adjacent to the Centra Core Historic Conservation Area. Construction is due to begin later this year, following the completion of archaeological works. An open day displaying any finds will be held at the site once these works are complete.

Olympian Homes’ scheme will be named Rialto House, recognising the famous cinema that once stood on the site. Opened in 1913 and demolished in 2003, the cinema played host to many famous performances, including The Beatles who performed there four times in 1963.

Andrew Hurcomb, GMI Construction’s Regional Director for Yorkshire, said: “We are delighted to have secured this contract with Olympian Homes, which is allowing us to continue to contribute to the creation of much needed purpose-built student accommodation in York. Rialto House is a great location, close to the city centre and the university campuses and will support the city in attracting students who want to study in this beautiful and historic city.”