Unique new St Andrews ‘university village’ officially unveiled 

This week the University marked the completion of its new affordable and sustainable housing development for postgraduate students and staff at the Grange, on the outskirts of St Andrews.

Working in partnership with Kingdom Initiatives for the first time, the new ‘university village’ is a pioneering project offering much-needed affordable housing for postgraduate students and university staff, helping to reduce accommodation pressures in St Andrews.  

 The development provides a mix of houses and cottage flats for rent, with several of the properties being identified as houses of multiple occupation. The University of St Andrews will sign occupancy agreements with customers, while Kingdom Initiatives, part of the Kingdom Group, will manage and maintain the homes. 

Speaking at the event Principal, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone said: “I am pleased that this unique partnership with Kingdom Initiatives has brought real benefits to our staff, students and their families. The investment made by the University in providing high-quality, affordable and sustainable housing demonstrates our commitment to enhancing the lives of postgraduate students and academics, as well as helping us meet ambitious net-zero targets.” 

Kingdom Group Chair Linda Leslie said:  “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking partnership with the University of St Andrews. This project is a brilliant example of how much can be achieved through close collaboration and it underlines our commitment to building innovative and sustainable communities. The University of St Andrews is an extremely prestigious organisation and I’m proud that Kingdom has been able to support the University’s goals of providing high-quality affordable homes to postgraduate students.”

Postgraduate student Laura Marquez Navas moved into her new home at the Grange with her nine-year-old son last September.  Originally from Spain, she has spoken of her relief she felt when the University’s accommodation team allocated her a house after months of searching. 

Laura said: “Since I received my conditional offer at the beginning of March, I started to look for accommodation in St Andrews and the surrounding area every day, unsuccessfully. However, a few days after my I received an unconditional offer, I was put in touch with the University’s accommodation team and in a matter of days I was notified that I had been allocated a house at the Grange. I almost couldn’t believe it, the relief I felt was huge.  The Grange area has beautiful views, and the houses are very nice and cosy. “ 

“We are so happy with our house here and grateful to the University for having created accommodation to meet the needs of post-graduate students and families who can’t stay in University halls.”