UniHomes are the first residents to enter the widely anticipated New Era Square Development in Sheffield. The cutting-edge student accommodation platform is now situated off St Mary’s Gate in the centre of the city.
The move signifies the next chapter for UniHomes, after rapid growth that has seen an expansion to a 40-strong workforce in just six years.
Having acquired student utilities provider, Split The Bills, in December 2020, the new office space provides a fantastic opportunity to facilitate future expansion for this vibrant Sheffield-born technology business.
The £70 million New Era development is set to have full occupancy by winter 2021, playing host to a wealth of retailers along with cafés, restaurants and bars, as Sheffield continues to lead the way in regional regeneration.
UniHomes Directors Bradley Cox, Luca Mori and Phil Greaves said: “Fundamentally, we want to provide an energetic and innovative space for our team to work in. Having worked predominantly from home over the past year, we’ve already witnessed a really positive response and eagerness from those coming back into the office.
“We have no doubt that the space will not only help us to progress further as a business, but also nurture staff development and attract talent to the city.”
New Era Developments, OVO Spaces, colloco and Taylor & Emmet LLP are all partner businesses that aided in the negotiation, design and creation of the new UniHomes office.
Jerry Cheung, Managing Director of New Era Developments, said: “We’re delighted to welcome UniHomes to New Era Square. They are the first office occupier in the scheme and their creative fit-out really showcases the building’s incredible potential. We look forward to announcing more new tenants in the coming months.”
OVO Spaces, located at Victoria Quays, were responsible for the design and fit out of the new office. The company have already laid claim to some incredible interior design across the city, including collaborative workspace 32 Eyre Street.
David Baldwin, CEO and Founder of OVO, described the office as a “5-star example of collaborative communication, design and execution.”
“Working with a forward-thinking company, like UniHomes, has allowed us to work closely to achieve fabulous work-spaces, break-out and wellness zones of virtually equal proportion.”
Bryony Shaw, Commercial Property Specialist at Sheffield solicitors, Taylor & Emmet LLP, represented UniHomes in the lease and licence negotiations with New Era Development.
Bryony said: “Working collaboratively with the landlord, we achieved a great result for our client and completed the lease within three months. It has been a pleasure to work with UniHomes on this transaction and I wish them every success in their new offices!”
Bridging the negotiations were Sheffield City Region property advice service, colloco. Founder Tim Bottrill said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated the letting to UniHomes.
“The letting marks the establishment of New Era as an exciting office destination. We’re confident that UniHomes’ decision to commit to the office here will act as a catalyst to attract other occupiers to the development.”
