Abode Student has launched an £80m portfolio delivering 525 beds across Birmingham and Nottingham, targeting two of the UK's largest student cities. The developments are designed around two priorities shaping student accommodation decisions: affordability and location.
The portfolio comprises two schemes, both due to open in September 2028. Abode Student Leatherworks in Nottingham (pictured) will deliver 208 beds on Denman Street, three minutes' walk from Nottingham Trent University, with rents starting at £198 per week for a cluster room with ensuite and shared kitchen/living space, rising to £270 per week for a studio.
The scheme carries an investment value of £29.8m. Abode Student Wireworks in Birmingham will deliver 317 beds on Cecil Street in the city's Knowledge Quarter, with rents from £175 per week for a cluster room and £273 per week for a studio, at an investment value of £49m. Both schemes have secured detailed planning consent, with construction starting in November 2026.
Founded by Ashley Ladson, Abode Student has partnered with interior designer Miminat Shodeinde, founder of London-based Miminat Designs, whose previous work spans five-star hotels and high-end residential projects. The collaboration centres on what the pair describe as a "Refined Durability" philosophy, using high-performance, long-lasting materials to keep design quality high without driving up rents or long-term maintenance costs.
"We understand the occupier market," said Ladson. "Students and their families are making careful financial decisions. They need accommodation that's accessible but also supports wellbeing and creates community. Good design doesn't mean expensive, it means thoughtful specification that works hard and lasts longer."
Shodeinde echoed that view. "With this new collaboration, we want to demonstrate that thoughtful design and affordability aren't mutually exclusive," she said. "We're specifying long-lasting, high-performance materials that combine durability with a premium aesthetic. These spaces need to work hard, but they can still be beautiful."
In practice, the design approach includes curated colour palettes, bespoke joinery, organic forms and textures, alongside communal amenities including cinema rooms, podcast studios and gyms. Abode Student says the focus on durable materials is intended to reduce replacement cycles over time, which in turn supports stable rent levels.
On location, Ladson has been deliberate in avoiding London. "London is saturated," he said. "The real opportunity is in regional markets anchored by Russell Group universities. Birmingham and Nottingham offer better yields, lower entry costs, and students who value location over luxury. Our sites are within walking distance of major campuses because that's what students prioritise."
Abode Student Leatherworks is forecasting 40% of capacity pre-booked 18 months before opening, which the company says outperforms regional averages. Occupancy across the portfolio is anticipated to exceed 96%.
Looking further ahead, the company is pursuing sites in Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds and Bristol. "Manchester is a natural next step," Ladson added. "With more than 86,000 students, it's a city where our approach genuinely resonates, accessible design in the right locations."
All developments are targeting BREEAM Excellent ratings and EPC A performance, incorporating air source heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity net gain and green travel infrastructure. Abode Student has appointed Christopher Dee LLP to approach the funding market on its behalf.
