£33 million luxury student accommodation built in the Steel City

Construction of the 14-storey LIVStudent building is on schedule for a September launch, and early interest for its 586 en-suite rooms have exceeded expectations. 

Developers say it heralds a new era in university accommodation, where students live like hotel guests and enjoy a wide range of services and activities to make it feel like home. Should they wish, they can even get their laundry and cleaning done. 

On the site of a former car showroom close to Waitrose, LIVStudent will feature spacious communal facilities including a sky garden, cinema and gym and a ninth- floor club lounge with feature balcony overlooking the city. 

Students will be encouraged to share from the well-designed study, living and dining spaces, stylish kitchens and a café and take part in activities ranging from yoga to cooking classes and team events. 

En-suite rooms, all with luxury double beds, start at £130 a week inclusive of bills and superfast, future-proofed Wi-Fi. Over a third are already under enquiry. Viewings are taking place at the marketing suite’s fully-equipped cluster kitchen and bedroom and a studio apartment. A percentage of enquiries are from people already studying in Sheffield, but others have come from as far away China, Germany, Spain and India. 

Peter Haspel, managing director of European student accommodation specialist Valeo Management, LIVStudent’s parent company, said: “Students have to spend a lot of money to get their education. We believe they focus better when they have home comforts and an aspirational environment around them. 

“We are proud to be investing £33 million in Sheffield to increase and upgrade the accommodation offer to its 50,000 plus students.” 

Sheffield is a friendly, safe, green and affordable place to live, which has two excellent universities. It is the ideal city to grow our innovative student accommodation brand. 

“We are passionate about delivering exceptional, purpose-built student residences and a superior customer experience. We think like a hotel - our staff are primarily from the hospitality sector and are determined to give the same level of customer service. We believe this adds immense value to the higher education learning experience and encourages young people’s aspirations.” En-suite rooms are being built in 81 clusters of three to six bedrooms, fully-equipped.