Fusion Group gets green light for UK PBSA project

UK student accommodation developer Fusion Group has received approval from Southampton City Council for a new 507-bedroom purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) complex. 

Portswood Centre

The development, located on the former Portswood Centre retail site, will feature two buildings (five and six storeys) offering student rooms and amenities like study areas, fitness, and wellness facilities.
The site is conveniently situated a 15-minute walk from St Denys train station and Southampton Common, and close to the University of Southampton's Highfield campus. Designed by Corstorphine and Wright, the project also includes 831 m2 of commercial space and 724 m2 of public open space, along with street improvements. 
The scheme aims for BREEAM Outstanding accreditation and a 29% improvement on Building Regulations Part L for the PBSA building. 
This project contributes to Fusion Group's goal of delivering an additional 10,000 beds across the living sector by 2030, aiming for at least 12,000 operational beds under management.
Julian Evans, development director at Fusion Group, said: “As a developer and operator of exceptional living assets, Fusion’s focus is on creating places that support the health and wellbeing of residents and the community as a whole – our Southampton scheme is a leading example of this.”
Fusion Group has delivered over 7,000 beds and has amassed a secured pipeline worth £2.2 bn (€2.57 bn) in GDV that will deliver more than 10,000 prime PBSA beds across London and key UK and Russell Group university cities.