
The two sites previously provided 970 student beds
Two former University of Hull accommodation sites are to be brought back to life after being acquired by a London-based property management company. MCR Property Group has announced it has completed the acquisition of The Lawns and Ferens Hall sites in Cottingham.
Sitting on a site spanning around 39 acres, the sites previously provided 970 student beds across seven accommodation blocks and a central hub. MCR plans to bring the buildings back into use with a multi-million-pound refurbishment programme that will deliver modern, high-quality student accommodation ready for the 2026/27 academic year.
In addition to the accommodation blocks coming back into use, MCR is working alongside East Riding Council and local planners to establish a significant residential development on the site. Proposals are being shaped to include more than 90 new homes at Ferens Hall, with further opportunities under review across The Lawns.
Nick Lake, Fund Director at MCR Property Group, said: “The Lawns and Ferens Hall are iconic sites with a proud history. Our vision is to restore them to their former role as centres for student living, while also introducing a high-quality residential scheme that will meet local housing needs.
By working in partnership with the council, we aim to create a sustainable development that brings lasting benefit to the community and supports Hull’s growth as a university city. This acquisition builds on the momentum of our recent PBSA investments and demonstrates our commitment to scaling a platform with real impact nationwide.”
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