York St John University Redevelopment

York St John University set out to create better places to live, learn and grow as its student community continues to expand.

From healthcare teaching spaces to student accommodation and creative learning environments, the focus has been on improving everyday student experience while respecting the character of the city around it.

Supporting a growing university estate

We have built a long-standing relationship with the university, supporting projects across its evolving campus and wider estate.

At Peppermill Court, we provided full interdisciplinary services up to RIBA Stage 4 for a proposed 210-bed student accommodation scheme on a former NHS site near the city centre. The location brought planning challenges due to its relationship with the Grade II listed St Mary’s House, requiring careful design development and coordination across disciplines.

The scheme was designed around the university’s Sustainable Building Criteria, incorporating roof-mounted solar PV, high levels of insulation, triple glazing and natural ventilation. Large openings and simple, robust detailing helped create an energy-efficient solution ready for delivery before the site was later sold.

Creating spaces designed around students

For the Healthcare Education Centre, we provided project and cost management services for a new two-storey extension supporting allied health teaching.

The new facilities include teaching wards, consultation rooms, simulation spaces and a control room designed to support hands-on learning. When a late-stage seven-week delay threatened the programme, we worked closely with the contractor and wider team to recover time and maintain progress ahead of student intake.

We are also supporting the extension and refurbishment of the Design Centre, home to design and digital courses. Our cost management team has advised on procurement, phasing and funding requirements, helping the university meet key Office for Students milestones. The scheme includes a new atrium, upgraded ventilation, improved accessibility and specialist studio spaces designed to support creative teaching and collaboration.

Building for the future of learning

Together, these schemes are helping York St John University strengthen student wellbeing, support modern teaching and improve access to high-quality facilities across the campus. The work also contributes to the wider story of York’s growth, bringing new life and investment into important parts of the city.