Members of the development team and key stakeholders came together to celebrate the topping-out of a new student residential scheme in Derby.
The scheme, which is being developed by the Derby-based Berry Group, comprises of 44 student studios on the corner of Slack Lane and Uttoxeter Old Road in the city.
The topping-out ceremony marks the milestone of reaching the highest point in the construction of this exciting project, which involves the erection of a contemporary three-storey student block with a GDV of circa £5m+.
The scheme represents the group’s first new build student accommodation venture in Derby. Clearing of the site commended in January 2023 and was followed by ground-breaking ceremony in May 2023.
Construction work is progressing as planned, with the building expected to be completed by the end of July 2024, ready occupation in September 2024.
The group, which was founded in 2015 by Sam Berry and Sarah Clowes, has recruited a formidable team of professionals that can handle everything from property sourcing and acquisition through to project completion and adding growth to the company’s portfolio.
The group has expanded its portfolio significantly over the past few years. In 2023 it acquired properties at 22-24, 36, and 46-48 Green Lane, which are currently being transformed into a mixed-use development, featuring ground-floor commercial units to the frontage which will provide a much-needed uplift to the existing street scene.
The group is also currently developing nine studio apartments and one commercial unit on Babington Lane in Derby, which is on track to be completed in eight weeks.
Both projects align with Derby City Council’s objective of enhancing city centre living opportunities, providing affordable housing options to the community.
Commenting on the topping out event on the Slack Lane site, Sam Berry, director of Berry Group, said:
“Today’s topping-out ceremony is an immense step towards the completion of our exciting student residential scheme in Derby.
“The team have worked extremely hard to ensure this scheme will create contemporary student accommodation which enhances the local residential area.”
Director Sarah Clowes added:
“Today’s event signifies a major milestone in the Berry Group’s on-going commitment to driving positive change and growth in Derby’s property landscape. We look forward to delivering high-quality accommodation for the city’s students.”
The Berry Group is one of the East Midlands’ most exciting development companies, offering a turnkey service across property development, investment, lettings, and construction sectors.
Berry Construction handles the company’s in-house projects as well as providing high quality builds for external clients. The group’s Project Management arm, ‘INCO Construction & Developments Consultants’, has a proven track record of completing projects on time and on budget.
Berry Letting & Management was formed to let and manage its own 100 plus units to professionals and students. It has now expanded to manage properties for other clients across the East Midlands.
Berry Housing Investments allows the group to build its property portfolio whilst giving investors competitive interest rates and security.