LONDON, July 2024– Student First Group (SFG), the UK’s leading Higher Education PBSA advisor, is proud to have advised Staffordshire University on its groundbreaking Student Village project since inception. SFG team members Robert Kingham and David Stephens developed the strategy and have been working closely with the University to provide expert guidance and insights throughout the project’s evolution.
The Student Village project achieved financial close in July 2024, and the first new beds will be available in 2026, creating 700 new student rooms in modern cluster blocks and townhouses, supporting the existing vibrant student community on the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Designed by award-winning architects Corstorphine and Wright, the project will integrate highly sustainable architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including Staffordshire University’s nature reserve and the River Trent. Clarice Cliff Court, the University’s existing halls, will also be comprehensively refurbished, with upgraded bedrooms, enlarged and enhanced communal kitchens, and improved landscaping.
A central “hub” facility will offer students a dynamic social space for events, well-being activities, study areas, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. A new pedestrian footbridge will seamlessly connect the Student Village to the University’s existing academic, sports, and leisure facilities, further enhancing the student experience.
“We are delighted to have supported Staffordshire University on this transformative project,” said Robert Kingham, Head of University Advisory at SFG. “Our team’s expertise in Design, Build, Finance and Operate partnership deals, and commitment to creating exceptional living experiences, have been instrumental in helping the University shape its vision for this state-of-the-art Student Village. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for student living in the UK.”
The multi-million-pound scheme will be delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Campus Living, a consortium comprising Hochtief, Plenary, and Staffordshire University. Willmott Dixon will lead on construction, while Pinnacle Group will work with the University to ensure the smooth operation of the new accommodation.
“Robert has worked on the proposal for a new Student Village for Staffordshire University since summer 2020. The advice that we have received from SFG has always felt balanced and evidence based. SFG has an excellent understanding of the market as well as the ability to work with the University and the other professional advisors to translate our requirements into concrete actions.”
Sally McGill
CFO and Deputy Chief Executive
Staffordshire University
About Student First Group:
Student First Group (SFG) is a leading consultancy specialising in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market. With a team of senior professionals boasting extensive property and legal backgrounds, SFG offers comprehensive commercial advice and support on strategy, transactions, development, and operations. Their track record includes involvement in over 50 successful university partnership and direct-let PBSA projects, solidifying their expertise in this niche sector.
Founded in 2018 by industry experts Martin Hadland and Richard Gabelich, SFG has consistently facilitated solutions and added value across diverse assets in multiple countries. In 2022, their University Advisory team expanded with the addition of experts from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), further strengthening their capabilities. SFG is committed to prioritising the student experience in every aspect of their work, ensuring that design and operational considerations always put the student first. The leadership team’s extensive experience, including roles at Campus Living Villages (CLV) and JLL, along with their involvement in over 15,000 PBSA beds in the UK and 45,000 globally, underscores SFG’s dedication to excellence in the student accommodation sector. Media Contact
James McCracken
Frances and Kevin
07557 096 093
The Student Village project achieved financial close in July 2024, and the first new beds will be available in 2026, creating 700 new student rooms in modern cluster blocks and townhouses, supporting the existing vibrant student community on the University’s Stoke-on-Trent campus. Designed by award-winning architects Corstorphine and Wright, the project will integrate highly sustainable architecture with the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including Staffordshire University’s nature reserve and the River Trent. Clarice Cliff Court, the University’s existing halls, will also be comprehensively refurbished, with upgraded bedrooms, enlarged and enhanced communal kitchens, and improved landscaping.
A central “hub” facility will offer students a dynamic social space for events, well-being activities, study areas, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. A new pedestrian footbridge will seamlessly connect the Student Village to the University’s existing academic, sports, and leisure facilities, further enhancing the student experience.
“We are delighted to have supported Staffordshire University on this transformative project,” said Robert Kingham, Head of University Advisory at SFG. “Our team’s expertise in Design, Build, Finance and Operate partnership deals, and commitment to creating exceptional living experiences, have been instrumental in helping the University shape its vision for this state-of-the-art Student Village. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark for student living in the UK.”
The multi-million-pound scheme will be delivered in partnership with Staffordshire Campus Living, a consortium comprising Hochtief, Plenary, and Staffordshire University. Willmott Dixon will lead on construction, while Pinnacle Group will work with the University to ensure the smooth operation of the new accommodation.
“Robert has worked on the proposal for a new Student Village for Staffordshire University since summer 2020. The advice that we have received from SFG has always felt balanced and evidence based. SFG has an excellent understanding of the market as well as the ability to work with the University and the other professional advisors to translate our requirements into concrete actions.”
Sally McGill
CFO and Deputy Chief Executive
Staffordshire University
About Student First Group:
Student First Group (SFG) is a leading consultancy specialising in the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) market. With a team of senior professionals boasting extensive property and legal backgrounds, SFG offers comprehensive commercial advice and support on strategy, transactions, development, and operations. Their track record includes involvement in over 50 successful university partnership and direct-let PBSA projects, solidifying their expertise in this niche sector.
Founded in 2018 by industry experts Martin Hadland and Richard Gabelich, SFG has consistently facilitated solutions and added value across diverse assets in multiple countries. In 2022, their University Advisory team expanded with the addition of experts from Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), further strengthening their capabilities. SFG is committed to prioritising the student experience in every aspect of their work, ensuring that design and operational considerations always put the student first. The leadership team’s extensive experience, including roles at Campus Living Villages (CLV) and JLL, along with their involvement in over 15,000 PBSA beds in the UK and 45,000 globally, underscores SFG’s dedication to excellence in the student accommodation sector. Media Contact
James McCracken
Frances and Kevin
07557 096 093
