Student housing platform StudentSpace has started construction on its first two projects in Cracow.
These dormitories will accommodate over 1,200 students and are conveniently located near public transportation and universities. They will offer amenities such as spacious rooms, communal kitchens, study areas, recreational spaces, and gyms. Additionally, the project will implement eco-friendly solutions such as solar panels and energy management systems.
The first StudentSpace dormitory, located on Wita Stwosza Street in Cracow, will accommodate approximately 600 students. It is part of a larger development by Echo Investment and Archicom that also includes office and residential spaces. Meanwhile, the dormitory at 29 Listopada Avenue in Cracow will accommodate 630 students.
Colman McCarthy, partner, Real Estate Investments at Signal Capital Partners, commented: ‘These investments underscore our commitment to advancing the PBSA market in Poland by developing projects of enhanced quality, strategically located in prime city areas to meet and exceed student expectations. StudentSpace is planning further expansion and additional investments - we have already secured two additional locations in Warsaw, but we are also exploring opportunities in other key academic cities.’
Nebil Senman, co-owner and managing partner at Griffin Capital Partners, said: ‘Poland is home to 359 universities and other higher education institutions, with a student body exceeding 1.2 million, including over 105,000 international students. A significant issue for students in Polish cities is the limited availability of private-operated housing and poor quality of university-operated housing. The solid fundamentals and the potential for substantial returns, propelled by strong rental growth, are crucial for our further projects within StudentSpace.’
StudentSpace was launched in March 2024 by Signal Capital Partners, Griffin Capital Partners, and Echo Investment. The platform aims to build 5,000 beds in total over the next 3 to 5 years.
Echo Investment will develop both StudentSpace dormitories in Cracow. The company has obtained building permits and construction has started. The dormitories are expected to be completed before the start of the 2025/2026 academic year.
StudentSpace is also investing in Warsaw, with one project located in Mokotow that should be available to students by October 2026.
