Clark Contracts, a privately owned contractor, has topped out The Pepper Mill student accommodation project on Dunedin Street in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

The development was built for Clark Contract’s client property developer Danehurst.

The six-storey development, scheduled to open in late 2025, will offer 155 beds alongside amenity spaces for students.

This project aims to achieve a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) Excellent rating, with features such as roof-mounted air-source heat pumps and sustainable urban drainage systems with green and blue roofs.

Additionally, the development is on track to receive a WiredScore Platinum certification, to support digital connectivity essential for student life, stated Clark Contracts.

The collaborative effort includes ISA Architects, structural engineer Fairhurst, services engineer Rybka, and principal designer F3Building Surveyors.

The topping-out ceremony was attended by Danehurst representatives Bob Bratland, Mark Yonwin, and George Rose, as well as Clark Contracts director Michael Scanlan and the project team.

Bratland, co-founder of Danehurst, commemorated the event by casting the final section of concrete.

Bratland said: “This is Danehurst’s first project north of the border and it is a great experience working with our Scottish design team and Clark Contracts who are all working to make Danehurst’s vision of providing students with a ‘home away from home’ experience in Edinburgh a reality.

"Designed to satisfy critical requirements to ensure the security, safety and well-being of the residents, we look forward to welcoming students in later this year.”

Scanlan added: "This topping out marks a significant milestone in the development of The Pepper Mill student accommodation project. This state-of-the-art facility will provide students with a modern, sustainable living space, complete with a range of amenities designed to foster community and well-being.

"Upon its completion, we look forward to seeing The Pepper Mill become a key part of the student experience here in Edinburgh."

Last month, Clark Contracts was chosen to deliver Glasgow City Council’s £12m ($15.1m) Statutory Private Property Housing Repairs framework in Scotland.