Topland – one of the UK’s largest privately owned investment groups – has gained consent for a landmark development of 585 student beds in Cardiff city centre.

The scheme, on Greyfriars Road, will be centered around a 28-storey tower, replacing a vacant 1960s office building, Friary House, that formerly housed Tiger Tiger nightclub.

The design-led scheme, from architects Rio and Westworks, will have far-reaching views over the city centre and Cardiff Castle and provide a mix of studio, en-suite clusters and one bed apartments together with amenity space, a roof garden, and commercial space at ground floor.

The city centre is experiencing a significant undersupply of student accommodation, with 57% of students unable to access accommodation.

Topland has worked with its development partner Colico Living to achieve the consent, having previously worked successfully together on Paradise View, a high quality BTR scheme in Birmingham city centre.

William Davies, director of asset management at Topland Group, said:

“This is another example of Topland investing in its portfolio to re-purpose assets and add value. This will be a great addition to the city centre, providing much needed high quality, sustainable student accommodation.”

Jon Stewart, director of Colico Living, said:

“We are delighted to be working with Topland Group on what will be a fantastic addition to the Cardiff skyline. The redevelopment of Friary House to provide best in class student accommodation in a prime city centre location in the Welsh capital city is a project we are proud of and excited to be involved with.”