Biscuit Factory, a 724-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Belfast, has achieved practical completion ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

The £50 million project on Little Donegall Street was delivered by contractor GRAHAM for LDS Dev Co, with Lacuna Developments serving as development manager.

Rising to ten storeys, the scheme provides a mix of studio and cluster apartments alongside a range of social and wellbeing amenities tailored to student life.

Situated close to Ulster University, the building will be operated by student accommodation provider Fresh Property Group.

The development takes its name from the former Marsh & Co biscuit factory, established in 1881, which closed in 1928 and sustained significant damage in the 1970s. Investment by LDS Dev Co has brought the site back into use as modern student housing.

Biscuit Factory is the fourth PBSA project that GRAHAM has delivered in partnership with Lacuna Developments in Belfast.

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Ciaran Leahy, contracts manager at GRAHAM, said: "Biscuit Factory is a significant addition to Belfast's student accommodation landscape, and reaching practical completion on a project of this scale reflects the quality and commitment of everyone involved in its delivery.

"GRAHAM has a long track record of creating complex PBSA schemes, and this development builds on the foundations we established with Lacuna Developments at Nelson Street. We look forward to seeing students move in ahead of the next academic year and hope they benefit from being part of such a vibrant, connected community."

Linsey Cullen, operations director at Fresh Property Group, said: "We are excited to see Biscuit Factory reach this milestone, and can't wait to welcome the first cohort of residents to their new home. The completion of Biscuit Factory marks an outstanding new student scheme for the city that acknowledges Belfast's heritage while providing a modern student living experience.

"From developing Biscuit Factory's bespoke branding, to helping students choose their perfect room in the scheme, we're delighted to have been on board this journey with GRAHAM and Lacuna Developments. We look forward to delivering continual operational success for Biscuit Factory, and welcoming students from September."

Brian McCracken, funding partner, LDS Dev Co said: "We are thrilled to see Biscuit Factory reach completion on time and within budget.

"The design and build quality highlight the modern, sustainable, high specification nature of the building, with all its amenities offering a high-level space and home for students in Belfast."