Pillars developers announced that their latest 425-unit Purpose Built project in Preston is expanding its accommodation offering to more than 26,000 local key workers, almost doubling its target audience from the current population of 30,000 students and teachers.
The Urban Hub is situated at the heart of Preston just minutes’ walk from UCLAN’s University, Royal Preston Hospital and other local and national government departments, who have been instrumental over the Covid-19 pandemic.
The optimal location, a wide range of high-quality self-catering studios and upscale on-site amenities all contributed to Preston Council’s additional key worker status favorable approval. Apart from all NHS staff, Urban Hub will offer accommodation to anyone with the official key workers’ status, including but not limited to staff from private hospitals, council and social workers, police, fire officers, prison officers and teachers.
A Pillars spokesperson:
‘’With ever increasing housing demand and steadily rising housing prices in central Preston, key workers and students often have to seek more affordable housing solutions, while relying on public transport connections to commute to / from work or university. Especially in the case of key workers, with their non-standard work schedules, travel times often do not coincide and travel can become a nuisance.
To maximize the potential of the project, we looked for solutions that would add value to the PBSA scene in Preston as well as bring positive benefits to the local community. Our goal is to create a carefully balanced lifestyle development, with a mix of students and key workers and create an opportunity to improve work-life balance for both groups. ”
The Urban Hub comprises of fully furnished 425 self-contained studio apartments, each with a private en-suite bathroom and kitchenette. The long list of amenities also includes a rooftop café and terrace with panoramic views of Preston, an exclusive private gym / fitness studio, games room and private cinema, plus laundry facilities and a library.
‘’ With growing demand for the affordable quality accommodation in Preston we estimate for the scheme to be fully occupied from the first year onwards. Recent key worker status approval provides additional reassurances to our investors that all aspects of their investment have been fully and intelligently considered. Additionally, we look forward to work in partnership with the council and major organisations throughout the City to provide high quality and secure accommodation for this sector.”