New development cements accommodation guarantee for York St John University students

York St John University to build new student accommodation to meet demand as student numbers rise. 

Plans have been approved to turn a former NHS mental health unit into much-needed student accommodation at York St John University. The redevelopment of the Peppermill Court site will provide purpose-built accommodation for York St John students, managed and owned by the University.  

The Peppermill Court development will offer 210 new rooms and allow York St John to improve and consolidate its student accommodation to meet its commitment to providing guaranteed accommodation for all UK and international first year students at affordable rates.  

Nick Coakley, Director of Estates Management, York St John University said: 

“We are delighted that planning has been approved for much-needed additional student accommodation adjacent to our existing land. Current private provision of purpose-built student accommodation is expensive and in short supply. As one of the country’s fastest growing universities, sourcing affordable student housing is a priority for York St John University, and this new accommodation will be available at a discounted rate to help students from lower income backgrounds to attend university. 

“We're also one of York’s largest and growing employers, generating many millions of pounds annually to the local economy. Our students are the paramedics, nurses, teachers, scientists, lawyers, artists, designers and business professionals of the future, and will go on to benefit hundreds of organisations and businesses moving forward.”  

Peppermill Court is adjacent to existing student accommodation, The Grange, on Huntington Road in York. The Grange comprises a range of 2- and 3-storey blocks and includes St Mary’s House, a significant Grade II listed 19th century workhouse converted to student accommodation in the 1990’s. The design of the new development will enhance the setting of St Mary’s House and neighbouring conservation area, whilst adhering to the University’s sustainability targets. Six accommodation blocks with a mixture of single, double and accessible rooms will be arranged around linked landscaped courtyards, providing accessible external communal space.  

Peppermill Court student accommodation is expected to be completed in early 2025. 

Image shows artist’s impression of the Peppermill Court accommodation – Ridge Property and Construction Consultancy