McLaren Construction completes major Nottingham student accommodation scheme
Key points
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has reached practical completion on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation scheme in the heart of Nottingham.
Delivered on behalf of McLaren Property, the £26 million scheme now known as Fabric, which is located at 77 Talbot Street, has transformed the site of a former office block into high-specification student living, ready for occupation ahead of the 2025/26 academic year.
Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building offers a mix of en-suite cluster bedrooms and premium studios, alongside amenities including a gym, yoga studio, cinema room and social study spaces. The top floor features large-format studios with panoramic views across the city.
Internally, the accommodation includes high-quality finishes, upgraded soft furnishings, and enhanced design details - reflecting evolving expectations for modern student living.
With sustainability embedded throughout, the development has achieved BREEAM Excellent and incorporates traditional foundations into the city’s sandstone bedrock, alongside specialist works which have included cave probing to meet complex planning conditions. Around 40% of the workforce has been sourced locally, supporting regional employment and skills.
McLaren has worked closely with both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering student site visits and work experience placements to provide practical learning opportunities in areas such as live construction, health and safety, and technical design.
Extensive community engagement has also played a central role in the delivery of the project, with the site team maintaining regular contact with neighbouring businesses and supporting nearby Huntingdon Academy with improvements to outdoor facilities. Charitable initiatives have included fundraising for the Lighthouse Club and Save the Children, as well as a mental health awareness session led by the Strong Men charity.
Luke Arnold, regional director at McLaren Construction Midlands & North, said: “Talbot Street now known as Fabric, has been a flagship project for our Midlands and North business - combining sustainable construction methods, collaborative delivery, and a strong commitment to community engagement. We are proud to bring the scheme to fruition, handing over in time for students in the September intake.”
Ed Court, development director at McLaren Property, said: “Fabric is a great example of our purpose-built student accommodation, and we're delighted to see Talbot Street completed to such a high standard. Working closely with McLaren Construction, we’ve delivered a scheme that reflects the evolving expectations of students - offering high-quality amenities, great design, and a strong focus on sustainability.”
Fabric adds to McLaren Property’s growing portfolio of residential and student accommodation schemes and represents a major investment in Nottingham’s built environment and student infrastructure.
