McLaren Construction Midlands and North is making strong progress on a landmark 323-bedroom student accommodation project on Talbot Street, Nottingham, with plans to welcome students by September 2025.

The £25.8 million development, located at 77 Talbot Road, is replacing a former five-storey office block that was previously occupied by Domestic and General. The company relocated to a new development on Station Street, allowing them to remain in Nottingham and invest further in the city. Demolition of the previous structure began in April 2023, with construction commencing in September.

Designed by Leonard Design Architects, the nine-storey building will feature high-end amenities, including a gym, yoga room, social study spaces, and en-suite bedrooms, offering high-quality living standards for students. The ground floor will house an entertainment room, including a cinema, and the uppermost level will provide premium studio apartments with larger living spaces and stunning views across Nottingham.


Sustainability is a key priority for the project, which is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Features such as traditional foundations into Nottingham's sandstone bedrock and cave probing to protect the local environment demonstrate the commitment to sustainable building practices.

Significant milestones include the completion of the roof structure and the opening of a marketing suite in autumn 2023, where prospective students can explore the high-quality finishes and amenities on offer. Internal enhancements, such as feature walls and upgraded soft furnishings, will further elevate the living experience.

McLaren Construction has also focused on social value, sourcing around 40% of the workforce locally. The company has worked closely with the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University, offering work experience placements and hosting visits for civil engineering students to learn about health and safety practices and the technical aspects of the project.

The project team has been proactive in engaging with the local community, providing a dedicated email address for inquiries, managing construction logistics to minimize disruption, and working with the city council to provide new outdoor staff facilities for Huntingdon Academy.

Additionally, McLaren has supported charitable causes, raising £406 for the Lighthouse Charity and participating in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. The company also hosted a mental health talk focusing on bereavement and support for construction workers, with plans for another session in early 2025.

Looking ahead, the team is focused on completing internal finishes, installing furniture and carpets, and removing scaffolding to reveal the building’s brick and cladding façade. External paving works are set to be completed by summer, ensuring the development is ready for student intake in September 2025.