New Glasgow student accommodation reaches major development milestone 

• Unite Students has celebrated ‘topping out’ of its 934-bed Alexander Quay property in Glasgow
• The £126 million development will complete for the start of the 2027/28 academic year
• Alexander Quay is located close to the main campus of the University of Glasgow, a world top 100 university.

Unite Students has reached a major milestone in the development of its new £126 million Alexander Quay (formerly Central Quay) property in Glasgow.

The company has celebrated ‘topping out’ at an event hosted by lead contractor, GRAHAM, to mark the structural completion of the 21-storey building.

The 934-bed property is being developed in Glasgow’s West End, close to the University of Glasgow, a world top 100 institution, reinforcing Unite Students’ strategy to grow in markets served by the UK’s strongest universities.

Opening at the start of 2027/28, the development unlocks a long-term vacant site north of the River Clyde and will also help to ease Glasgow’s housing shortage by freeing up privately rented homes for local families.

There are a mix of room types on offer, including cluster flats and studios, which will be available at a range of price points.

The property is designed to support modern student living and includes a social marketplace cafe, multiple study areas, gym, yoga room, screen rooms and a garden room with terrace.

Tom Brewerton, Group Development Director at Unite Students, comments: “We’re excited to reach another important milestone at Alexander Quay and a step closer to next year’s completion.

“This new property will provide high quality, affordable accommodation in Glasgow, supporting the growth of our university partners.

“We’re continuing to take a disciplined approach to off campus development and accelerating our alignment with the UK’s strongest universities.”

Chris MacLeod, director at GRAHAM, said: “Reaching topping out at Alexander Quay marks significant structural progress on a scheme that will deliver 934 much-needed student beds in Glasgow.

“The development brings a long-disused brownfield site back into service, and its BREEAM Excellent target sets a high sustainability standard for the build. Once complete, Alexander Quay will serve both the city’s students and the people who live in the surrounding community.”

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