Shoemakers is our first purpose-built student accommodation, featuring 73 rooms including studios, 3–4 bed apartments, townhouses, and 7-bedroom penthouses. Located just 3 minutes from the University of East Anglia, the site was formerly home to The Shoemakers pub, which was demolished after falling into disrepair.
Building over the original footprint brought ground challenges, including the discovery of old cellars. With limited space and sections reaching four storeys, significant steelwork had to be carefully placed onto tight footings. Each room included ensuite pod facilities, requiring precise drainage from the start—achieved using a craned-in plank floor system. A large roof overhang with no gutters added further complexity.
The result: a high-quality finish throughout and a development that helped rejuvenate a tired, neglected corner of the city.
