Two key appointments are now steering Sheffield’s newest student residence towards its September launch.

LIVStudent, the £33 million deluxe accommodation block under construction on Sheffield’s Ecclesall Road, heralds a new era in university accommodation, where students live like hotel guests.

Lewis Richards is now at the helm as general manager of the 14-storey block, which will boast 586 en-suite rooms and a range of communal facilities including a sky garden, cinema and gym.

Lewis, 29, from Chesterfield, became involved in running student accommodation at 19, while still in his first year of a property development degree at Sheffield Hallam.

He was offered part-time work with the accommodation provider who owned the building he lived in.

After graduating, he was offered a career with the company and by the age of 26 was manager of The Pinnacles on Broad Street, Sheffield, which had been his home for the first two years at uni.

Said Lewis: “I went straight from being a student to looking after them so understanding their needs is second nature.

“I’m delighted to bring my experience to the LIVStudent team. Our new residence will provide not only high-spec facilities, but a nurturing community with a host of events students are encouraged to be part of.”

He added: “I am passionate about delivering the highest quality customer service; our aim is to treat residents with the same respect and care given to hotel guests and my staff have been handpicked for their hospitality sector training.”

Abi Leung also joins as marketing manager. The 30-year-old Sheffielder studied Broadcast Journalism at Nottingham Trent University and her first marketing role was with Sheffield International Venues.

She furthered her career at Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union and then joined the university’s marketing team. “Both of these roles gave me a real insight into the18-24 year old demographic. I learned about ‘GenZ’ and what makes them tick,” said Abi, who rose to management level during four years with with student provider DIGS Accommodation in Huddersfield.

“I love LIVStudent’s people strategy and their motto, Work Hard, Have Fun and Help Others,” said Abi.

“The passion and energy within the company is so inspiring and what
is refreshing is this comes from the top, not just from those on the ground. I’m excited to see what my future at LIV has in store.”

The LIVStudent building, next to Waitrose, is on-schedule for the autumn student intake and a number of en-suite double-bed rooms and studio apartments – which cluster around sleek study, living, dining and kitchen spaces – are already let. Prices start at £130 a week inclusive of bills and super-fast Wi-Fi.