WORK is underway on York’s latest student development after a Leeds construction firm won the £6.2 million contract to build it.

York developer S Harrison, which is behind the 106-bedroom project, has appointed GMI Construction Group to create the scheme in Percy’s Lane.

The project is being built on the site of the former industrial unit owned by electrical contractor and retailer Herbert Todd & Son, which has relocated to Monks Cross.

Once complete it will feature a number of self-contained townhouses, with a mix of one, three, five ans six bedroom apartments in three and four-storey buildings.

The scheme is due to complete in time for the start of the 2018/19 academic year and will be owned and managed by Empiric Student Property.

Steve McManaman, from S Harrison, says: “It’s great to see work underway in this well-known part of York’s Walmgate Conservation area.

“This development promises to further enhance both the local streetscape as well as complementing all of the other regeneration work that has taken place on and around Percy’s Lane in recent years.

“We’re currently working with GMI on a 180 bedroom student development on Blenheim Walk in Leeds city centre and have been impressed with the team’s tenacious approach and professionalism, which made them the ideal partner for this latest scheme in York.”

Andy Bruce from GMI said: “We’re delighted to be forging a strong relationship with S Harrison and starting work on our second major development with the company this year.

“This scheme will see an outdated industrial unit replaced with a superb, modern building that will no doubt be a sought after address for York’s student population, as well as becoming a key landmark in this part of the city.”

S Harrison has completed three developments in York in recent years, totalling 762 beds. The developer has also recently completed work on a 240 bed student development in Edinburgh and a 63 bed scheme in Newcastle. Work is currently underway on a 115 room site in Lawrence Street in York and earlier this year S Harrison started work on a 180 room development on Blenheim Walk in Leeds city centre.