Historic Leicester landmark transformed into premium student living
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 20 March 2025
Multi award-winning premium student accommodation provider true student is set to breathe new life into a historic Leicester landmark, transforming the iconic former Freeman, Hardy and Willis building on Rutland Street into a premium student living hub.
Dating back to 1876, the site was once the grand headquarters of the popular footwear retailer and has played a significant role in Leicester’s history ever since. Severely damaged during the city’s ‘Blitz night’ in World War II, the redeveloped building was later home to the International Hotel, before standing vacant for over a decade. Now, it has been reimagined, with its heritage seamlessly blended with modern luxury to offer Leicester students more than just a place to live, but also an environment to prioritise wellbeing, community and personal growth alongside state-of-the-art amenities.
Located just 300 metres from the city’s vibrant centre and the famous Clock Tower, true Leicester will offer 472 high-quality student bedrooms, welcoming students from both De Monfort University and the University of Leicester.
The new space marks true student’s second location in the East Midlands with construction of its Nottingham site also underway.
Ben Morley, managing director of true student, said:
“Leicester is a thriving city that provides fantastic opportunities and experiences for its student community. Along with two bustling universities, the city has a vibrant mix of popular bars, art galleries and music venues, alongside easily accessible green spaces and nature reserves, offering a wonderful balance for students starting a new chapter in the city.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring our award-winning concept to another East Midlands city, and I’m looking forward to opening our doors to the first students this summer."
With a focus on delivering an experience that balances academic success with lifestyle benefits, the accommodation’s social space stretches over 1,758 square metres – far exceeding the standard in student living. This includes a sprawling 465 square metre gym, with dedicated yoga and boxing areas. Student will also have access to a picture house, a lively festival zone for events and easy socialising, private study zones, co-working spaces and more, all designed to create a thriving, and supportive home from home. Recognising Leicester’s thriving cycling culture, true student has included a large cycle hub with space for 238 bikes, providing students with a safe and convenient place to store their bikes while making the most of the city’s vast network of cycling routes.
Ben added:
“This is not just about offering high-quality and living spaces, it’s about redefining what student living should be. As with each of our developments, true Leicester has been built with the aim of inspiring a supportive and vibrant community. The project involves a large-scale and complex refurbishment of a historic building in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, and we’re proud to offer an incredible variety of room layouts and very generous room sizes. In addition, all students receive not only incredible value for money, all our rooms feature individual character and features, with no one bedroom the same.
“With exceptional social spaces, a larger gym than you’d find in most residential spaces, and a focus on a jam-packed calendar of events for wellbeing, fun and personal growth, we’re setting a new standard in the city. We want our students to feel at home, not just when they’re in their room, but throughout the entire accommodation.”
Sustainability has also been embedded into every fibre of the project, with eco-friendly features designed to reduce the site's environmental impact. The retrofit development has retained much of the building’s original structure, significantly lowering carbon emissions compared to new-build developments. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDs) have been incorporated into the landscaping, and provisions for future solar panels have been integrated to enhance energy efficiency further.
In addition to top tier living spaces, true student's signature true life program is a key feature of each of its developments. More than just events, this initiative creates opportunities for students to connect with each other and the wider community. A busy calendar offers activities, workshops and experiences focused on wellbeing, expanding personal networks and developing life skills to help students navigate life post-university.
True student currently has seven schemes open across the UK, with its newest sites, Leicester, Nottingham and Sheffield set to open later this year.
To find out more about true student and its locations visit: www.truestudent.com
