The student accommodation provider has established the project to help meet the rising demand for first-class city homes.

CityBlock’s new arm will focus on delivering living spaces in cities across the UK, with its first development expected to be completed towards the end of 2018.

In order to manage the residential side of the business, CityBlock has appointed Andrew Bargh (pictured above) as its urban design manager.

Andrew, who has experience as a design engineer, will head up the Urban Project and oversee everything from land acquisition through to the delivery of fit-for-purpose developments.

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Martin Crews, development director at CityBlock, said that expanding into the residential market had been the goal at CityBlock for a long time – with lots of plans in place behind the scenes – so it was delighted to be able to launch the Urban Project.

“Andrew’s knowledge of both the design process and the residential housing market makes him the ideal person to lead this new arm of the business. 

“CityBlock has a proven track record of providing quality, purpose-built student accommodation and we are confident we can use this experience to build and create high-quality and unique urban homes.”

The Urban Project has already acquired its first site, which is located in the jewellery quarter area of Birmingham.