Lancaster is known for a lot of things; Lancaster Castle, Williamson Park and its arts scene, to name but three. However, with over 13% of the general population made up of students, compared to just 3% in Manchester, it is arguably the universities and students within Lancaster that make the city what it is today.

The population of Lancaster as a whole has risen by over 6% in the last 16 years and the investment in the city reflects this. With the influx of new adoptive Lancastrians, predominantly students, those who choose to reside in the city are looking for quality accommodation, with ongoing care and support. As such, CityBlock is proud to say it is currently nearing completion of its latest investment into Lancaster, CityBlock 4. The new block, on Penny Street in the city centre, is due to open its doors to students this September.

So is the influx of students bringing anything other than a younger generation of residents to the city?

The answer is yes. Many are still unsettled by the ever-increasing student population, however the investment in shops, restaurants and infrastructure in Lancaster has arguably been, at least in part, brought about by the increase of students over the past decade.

In terms of its high street, Lancaster has been named as one of 100 towns and cities across the UK to receive investment from big household names including Boots, EE, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, Santander and Wilko. Aiming to increase footfall, create jobs and reduce the number of vacant commercial properties within Lancaster, the Business in the Community’s Healthy High Streets programme has brought improvements worth £17million to 67 high streets in the UK, with Lancaster one of the latest cities to benefit.

Lancaster City Council has also significantly invested in the city in recent years, with the aim of rejuvenating the important historic city centre, positioning it as an attraction for both residents and visitors to the city alike. As a result, Lancaster is now home to improved infrastructure and amenities, a city park, and a network of cycleways and walkways.

Whether the growing student population is the only reason for the investment or not – it must continue.

At CityBlock, we pride ourselves on our track record of not only developing properties, but delivering a welfare support team to all students in our property, by continually reinvesting into the city to ensure their time in Lancaster is wholly positive. We are looking forward to meeting the new cohort of students taking up places in CityBlock 4 from September, and are equally keen to discover which commercial giants or start-ups may take up residence in the city due to their presence.

Who knows what the legacy of this generation of students might be, in another 16 years’ time?