en.Wedoany.com Reported - MCALEER & Rushe has held a topping-out ceremony for the Mantle Yard student accommodation project on Baltic Street in Edinburgh, UK. This milestone was celebrated by MCALEER & Rushe together with developer HUB, funding partner Bridges Fund Management, and Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), marking the completion of the main structure of the 604-bed project.

The project site, historically used as a gasworks and naval shipyard, is a brownfield site. Once completed, Mantle Yard will become the largest single-site student accommodation development in Edinburgh and a significant regeneration project for the Leith area, involving new construction as well as the restoration and reuse of three existing historic buildings.

Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the development will provide 604 en-suite student bedrooms, along with indoor and outdoor amenity spaces such as study and collaboration areas, social lounges, wellness spaces, a cinema, a gym, landscaped courtyards, and bicycle storage. It aims to create a high-quality student living environment centered on community, well-being, and connectivity.

Sustainability and heritage conservation are at the core of the project. By retaining and reusing three historic buildings on site, the project preserves key elements of Leith's industrial character while saving an estimated 3,260 tonnes of embodied carbon compared to full demolition and reconstruction. Mantle Yard is also targeting a BREEAM "Excellent" rating.

Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, stated that the topping-out is a significant milestone for the project and reflects the progress of Leith's regeneration. It demonstrates the power of combining high-quality new student accommodation with the preservation of industrial heritage. He expressed pride in collaborating with HUB to create a sustainable new student living destination that meets the city's needs and drives the ongoing regeneration of Leith.

Tom Valente, Development Director at HUB, added that reaching this stage is an important milestone and an opportunity to celebrate the progress of this heritage-led, complex project with delivery partner McAleer & Rushe. He noted that Edinburgh is a world-class city and a creative hub, and Mantle Yard has already helped transform this part of Leith, contributing to a more connected and vibrant community built upon its industrial history.