We’re delighted to be shortlisted in the Developer of the Year category for the 2020 Property Week Student Accommodation Awards!

This wonderful news is a chance to reflect on what has been a testing and challenging period like we’ve never experienced before. In our 18^th year of operation, this shortlisting recognises CityBlock’s successful delivery of a major development and restoration project located in the heart of Lancaster’s City Centre Conservation Area.

Gillows is our Grade II listed building and has been central to the successful award entry.  The development previously served as a nightclub but is more famously known by locals in Lancaster as a former furniture showroom. The 1882 landmark was acquired by CityBlock’s owners in 1997 and has been carefully restored into a vibrant living space for students who are studying at Lancaster University.

With 96 en-suite bedrooms based in cluster apartments of all different sizes, Gillows is today our flagship student living development. It incorporates extensive communal areas, a games area, a private dining room, quiet study spaces, and a private study with a fully stocked library.  We’re proud of what the Cityblock team has achieved with Gillows – an exemplar case study for how a building’s original features can be combined with the use of quality materials, resourceful use of space and a perfect city centre location, to make a truly original living space for students.

The Property Week award ceremony takes place – virtually – on 9 December and we’re up against some very strong competition with no less than seven other contenders for this award.  Whatever happens next we’re thrilled to have made it this far. We wish all of the entrants the very best of luck and invite you to join us in keeping everything crossed for the ceremony!

Student Accommodation Awards Shortlist.