Work has started on CityBlock’s latest purpose-built student accommodation development on Penny Street, in the heart of Lancaster city centre.

The five-storey development will be built on the site of the former Apothecary bar and will be CityBlock’s sixth student development in Lancaster, offering well managed and high-quality purpose-built student accommodation for Lancaster’s ever-expanding student population.

The exciting new development will be made up of en-suite cluster flats and studios – the former of which will comprise between five and ten bedrooms, containing study spaces as well as large open plan communal areas with kitchens, dining spaces and lounges.

The building will also incorporate various wellbeing-led features, including significant natural light and boasting a large tranquil courtyard, designed to provide students with a place to relax amongst greenery, away from the hustle and bustle of Lancaster.

Located in the City Centre Conservation Area, the development will deliver a transformational change for the site. Designed by SSHARC architects in close partnership with CityBlock, the building design respects its historic context whilst expressing and celebrating the building’s modern function as a vibrant living space for students, with an exciting ground floor retail offering.

Martin Crews, Development Director of CityBlock, commented on the news, saying: “Having achieved planning permission for our newest site in Lancaster this summer, development has started on our bespoke high-quality, five storey student accommodation block. As with all CityBlock developments, student wellbeing will be at the heart of the design and we aim to deliver a transformational change for the site, providing student accommodation of the highest standard within a key area of Lancaster.”

The newest development is CityBlock’s second project currently underway in Lancaster city centre, in addition to its iconic Gillows development which is currently in progress. Both will be completed and ready for students to move into at the beginning of the 2019/20 academic year. CityBlock’s most recent site on Penny Street, which opened in 2017, is fully booked for this academic year with a waiting list for rooms.