McAleer & Rushe has marked the structural completion of Mantle Yard in Leith, a 604-bed purpose-built student accommodation development that blends new-build elements with the restoration of historic buildings.

The design-and-build contractor celebrated the topping out of the Baltic Street scheme alongside developer HUB, funding partners Bridges Fund Management and Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), and the wider project team, acknowledging completion of the main structure and steady progress across the site.

Set on a historic brownfield plot that once housed a gasworks and naval yard, Mantle Yard is due to become Edinburgh's largest single-site student accommodation project. The development combines contemporary construction with the sensitive refurbishment and reuse of three existing heritage buildings, forming a key part of Leith's ongoing regeneration.

Designed by Michael Laird Architects, the scheme will deliver 604 ensuite bedrooms with extensive internal and external amenities, including study and collaboration areas, social lounges, wellbeing spaces, a cinema, a gym, landscaped courtyards and cycle storage. The layout is intended to foster community, wellbeing and connectivity.

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Close to The Shore and well served by public transport links to Edinburgh's universities, the project responds to increasing demand for centrally located, purpose-built student housing. Completion is on track ahead of the 2027/28 academic year, with bookings to open later this year via operator Fresh.

Sustainability and heritage retention are central to the plans. Retaining and repurposing three historic structures will preserve key aspects of Leith's industrial character and is expected to save an estimated 3,260 tonnes of embodied carbon compared with full demolition and rebuild. The project is 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"