A £50million student housing scheme being built on the site of a well-known York cinema and bingo hall has taken another major move forward,

Leeds-based GMI Construction Group and developer Olympian Homes has undertook a topping out ceremony for Rialto House on Fishergate, where the Rialto Cinema and Mecca bingo hall used to be.

The four-storey development, named after the historic cinema which once played host to a performance by The Beatles, will offer 275 beds and 80,000 sq. feet of state-of-the-art living space.

It will also feature a range of amenities including gym, yoga studio, games room, co-working spaces, group dining areas, integrated cycle parking, and landscaped courtyards. Honouring its cinematic roots, the development will also feature a bespoke in-house cinema.

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Developers says the site in Fulford is just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and seven-minute bus ride from the University of York, making it well-positioned to meet the city’s growing demand for high-quality student accommodation.

GMI says it is utilising a predominantly local supply chain for the project, reinforcing its commitment to supporting regional businesses and sustainable practices.

Olympian Homes first sought to build the student flats in 2021, receiving planning approval from City of York Council in 2022. Demolition of the site began that summer.

Rialto House is scheduled for completion in time for the 2025 academic year intake, with and is expected to make a significant contribution to alleviating the city’s current shortfall of student accommodation.

Artists impression of the finished buildingArtists impression of the finished building (Image: Pic supplied)

William Sharpey, Senior Construction Manager for Olympian Homes, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage on time and within budget is a major milestone, and perfectly positions us to focus on achieving practical completion by June 2025.

“Rialto House is set to raise the bar for student living. In a market with a significant undersupply of PBSA, it will provide students with an exceptional living experience, helping them thrive both academically and socially.”

Ed Weston, GMI’s Commercial Director, said: “The topping-out of Rialto House is a testament to the seamless collaboration between GMI and Olympian Homes. It signifies the progress we’ve made in bringing this project to life, balancing and blending a modern design with the site’s historical legacy.

“We’re proud to deliver a sustainable, best-in-class accommodation that addresses York’s critical need for high-quality student housing, while also enhancing the area’s unique character and community.”

The site, rich in history and cultural significance, is adjacent to York’s Central Core Historic Conservation Area and within an area of archaeological importance.

Once home to the iconic Rialto Cinema, which first opened in 1913, the site was most recently used as a car park following its 2003 demolition.