Plans to replace a landmark Southampton building with an 810-bed student property are to be submitted to the city council for consideration.

Unite Students, the UK's largest provider of student accommodation, is to apply to redevelop 560-room Mercury Point in Duke Street, one of its key properties in the city. 

The firm say the the new development will be an exciting addition to the city's skyline, and free up privately rented homes for local families.  

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As shown on the newly released CGI images, the 810 bedrooms would be provided across two blocks connected by an elevated outdoor terrace, with the existing building set for closure in the summer of 2025. 

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, said: “We’re excited about the planned redevelopment works at one of our key properties in Southampton as we work to continuously improve the student experience across our portfolio.

"We’ve worked closely in consultation with the council, the local community and Southampton University to develop these plans.

“We’re trusted by parents, students and universities to provide high-quality, safe and affordable accommodation and the planned increase in bed numbers will help free up privately rented homes in the city for families."

Unite Students said they considered several options, including a renovation of the existing building, but eventually took the decision to redevelop the property and close it to students once this year’s residents have checked out.

The planned new Mercury Point (Image: Unite Students)

The new property will fully adhere to Unite Students’ sustainable construction framework, which aims to achieve net-zero carbon in construction and operation.

The scheme will aim to achieve a BREEAM Excellent sustainable building certification and include solar panels to generate renewable energy, air-source heat pumps for heating and hot water, and high-performance glazing to help reduce thermal losses.

Mercury Point, which is ten minutes from Solent University, was formerly known as Liberty Quays. It offers en-suite rooms within flats with shared kitchens and living space and studios, all with private bathrooms. Rooms cost from £165 per week. 

Unite Students provide homes to 68,000 students across 151 properties in 23 leading university towns and cities.