Unite Again Preferred Bidder

Unite Group PLC
28 February 2001


Date:               28 February 2001

Embargoed until:    0700hrs



UNITE APPOINTED PREFERRED BIDDER FOR

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHUMBRIA ACCOMMODATION

UNITE to build 337 en-suite study bedrooms in PFI Initiative in Newcastle

UNITE, the UK's leading specialist provider of accommodation services for
students and NHS key workers, today announced its appointment as Preferred
Bidder for the provision of new off-campus study bedrooms on behalf of the
University of Northumbria.

The scheme is to be developed on a brownfield site at Camden Street,
Newcastle, which is adjacent to the University of Northumbria. The property,
which was previously owned by North Eastern Electricity Board, will be
developed to provide approximately 337 en-suite study bedrooms arranged into
independent flats. Planning consent was approved on 19 January 2001 with
delivery scheduled for September 2002.

Colin Jackson, Director of Property and Accommodation at the University of
Northumbria, said:

'The University of Northumbria has been voted The Sunday Times Best New
University for three years running. We wish to maintain our popularity to
national and international students and the provision of new quality
accommodation is an important strand to that strategy. UNITE's proposals
showed a clear understanding of our needs and an understanding of the sector
and we are delighted to be on the first stage of this exciting partnership.'

Nick Porter, Chief Executive of UNITE, said:

'We are delighted to be awarded 'Preferred Bidder' status for this major new
development of student residences in Newcastle. This is a significant
milestone in our nationwide growth and we look forward to developing new
accommodation services and delivering them in partnership with the University
of Northumbria.'


                                   - ENDS -


Press Enquiries to:

Emma Kane, Chief Executive          Tel:     [phone]

Redleaf Communications Ltd          Mob:     [phone]



Nick Porter, Chief Executive           Tel:     [phone]

UNITE



Notes to Editors:

  * UNITE was founded in 1991 by Nick Porter
  * UNITE is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange and is currently
    capitalised at £126.3 million
  * UNITE is the UK's leading specialist provider of accommodation services
    for students and key workers
  * Further information is available at the Company's website at
    www.unite-group.co.uk
  * www.bunk.com is a comprehensive, on-line accommodation service for
    university students launched by UNITE in September 2000