Leading design and build contractor McAleer & Rushe has marked the topping out of Mantle Yard, a landmark 604-bed Purpose-Built Student Accommodation scheme on Baltic Street in Leith, Edinburgh.
The milestone was celebrated on site with developer HUB, funding partners Bridges Fund Management and Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), and members of the wider project team, recognising the completion of the scheme’s main structure and the continued progress being made across the development.
Located on a historic brownfield site formerly used as a gasworks and naval yard, Mantle Yard is set to become Edinburgh’s largest single-site student accommodation development. The scheme represents a significant regeneration project for Leith, combining new-build construction with the careful restoration and reuse of three existing historic buildings.
Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the development will provide 604 ensuite student bedrooms together with a generous range of internal and external amenity spaces. These will include study and collaboration areas, social lounges, wellbeing spaces, a cinema, gym, landscaped courtyards, and cycle storage, creating a high-quality student living environment designed around community, wellbeing and connectivity.
Situated close to The Shore and with strong public transport links to Edinburgh’s universities, Mantle Yard will support the city’s growing demand for well-located, purpose-built student accommodation. The project is scheduled on track for completion ahead of the 2027/28 academic year, with bookings opening via operator Fresh later this year.
Sustainability and heritage retention are central to the development. By retaining and repurposing three historic buildings on site, the scheme will protect important elements of Leith’s industrial character while delivering an estimated embodied carbon saving of 3,260 tonnes compared with a full demolition and rebuild approach. Mantle Yard is also targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.
Jonathan O’Neill, Senior Director at McAleer & Rushe, said:
“Topping out at Mantle Yard is an important milestone for McAleer & Rushe and a reflection of the progress being made on this landmark regeneration project in Leith.
Adding to our growing portfolio in Edinburgh, the scheme showcases the strength of thoughtful regeneration, combining high-quality new-build student accommodation with the careful retention of Leith’s industrial heritage.
We’re proud to be working alongside HUB to deliver a sustainable new student living destination that will help meet demand in the city, contribute positively to the continued regeneration of Leith, and preserve the character of this historic site for the future.”
Tom Valente, Development Director at HUB, said:
“Reaching this stage at Mantle Yard is a significant milestone and an opportunity to celebrate with our delivery partner McAleer & Rushe in bringing forward this complex, heritage-led project. We are proud to be working together to continue delivering high-quality housing in the places it is needed most.
Edinburgh remains a top-tier city and a true hive of creativity, and Mantle Yard is already helping to transform this part of Leith, building on its industrial past while contributing to a more connected and vibrant neighbourhood. Through its shared spaces and design, it will bring students and the wider community together, supporting a balanced and thriving place for the future”
