The project involved the redevelopment of a former hosiery factory on a prominent corner site in the immediate proximity of De Montfort University in Leicester. The result is a stunning new 66-metre high, 22-storey elliptical tower creating a new landmark at the Western Gateway to the city. With unwavering support from Leicester City Council Planning Department, Planning Consent was finally granted in 2009 after 16 months of detailed consultations and negotiations. The external cladding materials include aluminium panels, coloured laminate cladding, insulated render, natural timber and terracotta facing blocks. The buildings are highly insulated and are heated using air source heat pumps, contributing to its target of 13% on site renewable energy The development comprises 369 student bedrooms. The vast majority of the accommodation is provided as single-occupancy Studios each with its own ensuite and kitchen. The fit-out is to an extremely high standard, with bespoke furniture, flat-screen TVs and internet access as standard. The look & feel of the student rooms is akin to high quality hotel bedrooms. Ensuite bathroom ‘pods’ were used to provide an extremely high standard of finish in these areas, while condensing the finishing programme on site. The project started on site in April 2011 and was completed on programme in time for the first students to occupy their new homes in September 2012.