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9b First Street

9b First Street

View Full Proposal (PDF)

Vita Group is bringing forward proposals for new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) under its best-in-class student brand Vita Student as part of the next phase of development at First Street.

Founded in 2012, Vita Group is a best-in-class residential developer and operator on a mission to create environments in which people can flourish. Vita Group has delivered and managed a range of award-winning residential developments across the UK, including PBSA.

Building on the ongoing successful transformation of First Street, Vita Group has developed proposals for the land bound by Medlock Street and Hulme Street, known as Plot 9b.

Responding to sustained demand for student accommodation, proposals have been designed to offer best-in-class student accommodation under the Vita Student brand and could create around 861 high-quality studio apartments, which will be complemented by outstanding amenity including a state-of-the-gym, social and study spaces, as well as Vita Student’s outstanding customer experience which has been designed to help students maximise their university experience and ‘Begin Big’.

Previous Consultations

Consultation on previous proposals (for a PBSA development with circa 750 bedspaces) was held between 23 July 2024 and 3 August 2024, with an in-person public consultation event held on 23 July 2024.

Further to feedback received as part of this consultation exercise, and pursuant to ongoing discussions with Manchester City Council, a number of design amendments have been made.

Before we submit a planning application later this year, we are keen to obtain feedback on revised proposals, from the local community.

Full details of our updated proposal will be available to read online via a PDF form.

9b First Street Map

Timeline

12TH JULY 2024
Consultation
Launched
23RD JULY (4-7PM)
Consultation
Event
3RD AUGUST 2024
Consultation
Closes
08 NOVEMBER 2024
Second Consultation Launched
22 NOVEMBER 2024
Second Consultation Closes
AUTUMN 2024
Planning Application Submitted
Vita Student First Street, 13 Jack Rosenthal Street, M15 4RB
View from Calton Hill
View from Regent Road
Vita Student - Iona Street
Vita Student - Iona Street
Vita Student Interior
Vita Student Interior
Vita Student Social
Vita Student Bedroom
Key Concern
Our Response
Concern regarding the use of the site for student accommodation.
Student accommodation, along with affordable housing and a commercial unit, provides a viable alternative to the consented build-to-rent use in light of the Scottish Government ‘rent freeze’ introduced in September 2022. There is an established need for additional purpose built student accommodation in Edinburgh.
Concern regarding the impact of building height on sunlight access to neighbouring buildings.
A Daylight, Sunlight and Overshadowing Report is being undertaken to assess impact on neighbouring properties to ensure any impact is within acceptable standards.
Concern regarding the impact of building height and massing on streetscape views and outlook of neighbouring buildings.
The proposals will be supported by a Townscape and Visual Impact Assessment to assess the height of the proposed development in local and long-distance views. The Visualisations shown on board 7, taken from both the north and south of Sibbald Walk, show that the top storey will not be visible from these locations.

More detailed work and assessments are currently being undertaken which are helping to inform and shape the final design proposals.

The comments received from this second public consultation event will be considered before submitting a formal application to the City of Edinburgh Council. Comments received throughout the pre-application consultation stage, and how they have been considered, will be detailed in the Pre-Application Consultation Report which will be submitted in support of the forthcoming application.

Place & Community

01

Place & Community

Create thriving communities, a principle which has been with us from the very start, it’s simply not good enough to create a building without thinking carefully about its context and the wider impact it has on its surrounding neighbourhood. We’re driven to create communities within communities as well as respond to and complement the neighbourhood and its eco-system. Creating tomorrow’s city living means we must be part of the DNA of that city and partnering with local authorities. This includes connecting with local suppliers, talent, charities, and businesses, collaborating on important community initiatives and helping to develop surrounding spaces. It’s not just about helping to regenerate cities; it’s helping them to function effectively.

Society

08

Society

We know that in helping to create tomorrow’s cities, we have a responsibility to have the best possible impact on society as a whole. As such, we won’t be afraid to challenge those things which just don’t sit right. So don’t be surprised to see us take a knee at the start of a sporting event, celebrate key religious holidays, and fly the rainbow flag for pride. To create a better tomorrow, we must stand together today.

Environment

03

Environment

To really effect change and create a platform in which cities thrive, we know we need to look beyond building design, carbon creation and energy usage. We must tackle bigger issues and help change behaviours, as such we’re creating initiatives which help users across the platform understand the role they can play in reducing our impact on the world.

Sustainable Operations

04

Sustainable Operations

Continually reduce our use of the planet’s valuable resources, working towards net-zero carbon, sourcing green energies and reducing non-recyclable waste.

Building Design

05

Building Design

Building design – create a harmonic balance between buildings, the environment and their users. Constantly looking at ways we can improve efficiency (reducing U and Y values), reduce embodied carbon through production whilst ensuring wellbeing through design and innovation to create high performing buildings which enable their occupants to live more healthily and productively. It includes elements such as air quality, sustainable construction and amenities.

Governance

06

Governance

Applying best practice and the highest standards and ethics to everything we do. From how we manage personal data to how we conduct our business in every aspect of the corporate and consumer realm. Our policies and practices ensure we’re constantly reviewing, auditing and ensuring statutory compliance and principled integrity. We are guided by best-in-class professional advisory firms in developing and reviewing our corporate policies, as well as following national guidance on health and safety and sector-specific codes of practice to ensure we maintain the state of the art.

Welfare & Wellbeing

07

Welfare & Wellbeing

Provide a welfare and wellbeing care package for all our people to access. Ensure every resident feels welcome, is part of the community and has the best possible opportunity to thrive incorporating physical and mental wellbeing. This includes constantly evolving our services such as the duty of care charter, onboarding events, our state-of-the-art gyms and free to use bikes.

Talent

02

Talent

Create a culture and environment which allows our colleagues to thrive. We recruit the very best people and give them the opportunity to be better. From our fair pay policies and flexible working, to personal development programmes, life shaping experiences, and inclusive recruitment, everyone has the best opportunity to thrive.