January 17, 2018

Twin entrepreneurs start work on premier Middlesbrough student accommodation

Atha Developments
(Left to right) Jack and Tom Atha

Twin Middlesbrough entrepreneurs are to invest in their home town, in a project that will be their biggest to date.

Jack and Tom Atha, who established Teesside-based Atha Developments at the age of 19, have chosen a well-known former bank as the site of their new luxury student accommodation, St James Studios.

The dynamic duo has plans to transform the former Lloyds Bank, on the corner of Albert Road and Grange Road, into 60 large en-suite studio apartments, each with fully-fitted kitchens.

The unique accommodation will also feature a range of 24-hour facilities, including a cinema, social study room, concierge and a private lounge.

There are plans for a bar on the ground floor, which will offer a discount to all Atha Developments’ tenants, for university students and young professionals to take advantage of.

Speaking about the development, Jack said: “St James Studios will offer an unparalleled living experience for students with its massive studios and amazing facilities for everyone to enjoy.

“We were very keen to involve local businesses with the project, so we’ve teamed up with Darlington-based firm, Niven Architects, and Northallerton-based contractors, Walter Thompson, along with various consultants all based in the Tees Valley.

“We are proud Boro boys and we’re passionate about the town and helping it to grow. It’s great to be able to take part in a big project like this, using local businesses who have the same values as us.”

Tom added: “Location is key, St James Studios is within metres of Teesside University so students are going to be able to roll out of bed and attend their lecture within minutes, or try to.

“With Bedford and Baker Street and all the new bars, restaurants and shopping facilities on the doorstep, there really isn’t a better town centre location. It really is going to be the perfect place to live, work and play.”