Mainland Capital has revealed the design for its new student accommodation village on the former Antonio Hall site.

The development at 265 Riccarton Road, about 700 metres south of the University of Canterbury, will be delivered in two stages, with construction due to begin by the end of 2026. Stage 1 is expected to open for the start of the 2028 academic year.

The 1.5 hectare site has stood derelict since the 2011 Canterbury earthquakes.

More than 450 beds will be provided across connected townhouses, courtyards and pedestrian laneways.

The design draws on the mews style of university towns including Edinburgh, Bath and Oxford.

Chris Scott, Head of Finance and Acquisitions at Mainland Capital, said the firm had turned the usual design process on its head.

“We started with the community we wanted to create, rather than a building driven by traditional developer led motivations, and let that shape the layout,” Scott said.

“Every decision, from the courtyards and shared amenity to the way students will interact with the built environment and green spaces, was made to be bespoke and purpose led.”

The village is aimed at second year, postgraduate and international students, filling a gap between first year halls of residence and the private rental market.

Mainland Capital said the homes will be brand new, Healthy Homes compliant, fully furnished and professionally managed.

A central communal pavilion will anchor the development, set around planting and a large historic elm tree. It will include quiet study spaces, an events area, and zones for games and socialising.

Other features include parcel lockers, electric ride share facilities, garden courtyards, outdoor seating and informal lawns.

Mainland Capital manages about $1 billion in real estate assets and was established in 2010 by Ben Bridge and Tim Jones.