The PBSA projects are being delivered via a forward funding agreement with QIP. Credit: Ground Picture via Shutterstock.

Clark Contracts has been selected to construct new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) in Edinburgh’s Canongate area, Scotland.

The five-storey project, commissioned by property developer S Harrison, will feature 76 studio rooms along with amenity space, study rooms, a multimedia room, a gym, break-out areas, and cycle storage.

Clark Contracts will begin work this month, with the project anticipated to be completed before the start of the 2026 academic year.

Several structures have been demolished to make way for the new development while preserving older, architecturally significant elements.

Some of these structures will be integrated into the new building, reflecting a blend of modern and historical design.

Clark Contracts director Michael Scanlan said: “This project will combine significant elements of the site’s existing historic buildings alongside a new five-storey building, and the whole development is designed to be highly energy efficient and will utilise the latest green technology.”

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Founded in 1978, Clark Contracts, with offices in Edinburgh and Paisley, has completed numerous PBSA projects in Edinburgh, York, and Leeds.

In addition to the Canongate project, S Harrison is advancing another student residence at East Newington Place, also in Edinburgh.

This development includes 65 studio rooms and is expected to be ready by mid-2025.

Both of these projects by S Harrison are part of a forward funding agreement with Q Investment Partners (QIP), a Singapore-based company specialising in residential real estate.

S Harrison Developments director David Clancy said: “This latest development in Canongate will create more much-needed student accommodation in the heart of one of Europe’s top university cities, opposite the Holyrood Campus of the University of Edinburgh and within easy reach of lots of other key university facilities.

“We’re therefore delighted to appoint Clark Contracts and give this tired and unloved brownfield site a new and sustainable future, with a sympathetic design that contributes towards preserving the character and appearance of Edinburgh’s Old Town Conservation Area.”

In June 2024, Clark Contracts completed the 21,000ft² Peter Russell House, the new headquarters of Ian MacLeod Distillers in Broxburn, Scotland.