The Holyrood North Residence Hall has won the inaugural ‘Student Accommodation Development of the Year’ award at the 4th Annual Scottish Property Awards 2017; an independent awards and publicity programme recognising development projects and people in commercial and public buildings across Scotland over the past twelve months.
Beating stiff competition from accommodation sites around Scotland, Holyrood North has been recognised for its unrivalled living and social environment for the 480 postgraduates it houses. The large open-plan communal kitchen on the ground floor, the first of its kind in the UK, with eight 60-person ‘kitchens’ provides the ideal place to interact and make friends whatever your eating habits.
Holyrood North is part of a wider development, totalling 900 students and has separate TV and common rooms, as well as space for revision, four sound-proof music practice rooms, a site laundry and 24-hour reception.
This award comes after Holyrood North was recognised for ‘Best University Halls of Residence’ at the 2016 Student Accommodation Awards; and ‘Best Student Housing’ at the College & Business Officers (CUBO) Awards 2016.
Throughout, Holyrood North has been lauded by judges for its “excellent concept” that “addresses social and community needs”, while focusing “on community through innovative design”.
Richard Kington, Director of Accommodation, Catering and Events at The University of Edinburgh, said: “ I hope that the already significant recognition achieved by this innovative development will encourage other Universities and student accommodation providers to look at how they might also provide a wider choice of living options. Creating ever more vibrant and inclusive residential environments is essential, allowing more residents the opportunity to come together to learn from each other. As we continue to work hard to ensure our students are able to benefit fully from their time at University the living environments we provide play an increasingly important role. “