Unite In Lead for 1K Beds

Unite Group PLC
8 January 2001





Date:          8 January 2001

Embargoed:     0700 hrs

UNITE AND LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCE 125 YEAR PARTNERSHIP

The UNITE Group plc, the UK's leading specialist provider of student and NHS
key worker accommodation services, has been selected by Loughborough
University as the preferred bidder for the transfer, development,
refurbishment and long-term management of approximately 1000 student bedrooms.

The proposals, when completed, will represent approximately 20 per cent of the
University's student accommodation stock and will be one of the largest stock
transfer and outsourcing transactions undertaken within the Higher Education
sector.

UNITE and Loughborough University will be working on proposals to redevelop
three main student hubs located close to the main campus to provide modern
student accommodation together with ancillary facilities such as student bars
and other leisure facilities. The plan is for a phased development starting in
June 2001, with completion of the final phase scheduled for autumn 2003.

Commenting on UNITE's status as Loughborough University's preferred bidder,
Nick Porter, Chief Executive of UNITE said:

'Our preferred bidder status with Loughborough University is a significant
endorsement of the Company's commitment to providing tailor-made solutions to
accommodation issues. Over the last decade, UNITE has established an
unrivalled track record in meeting the needs of universities and colleges by
creating value through enhanced service levels and lower costs. We look
forward to working in partnership with Loughborough University to develop
quality, affordable accommodation and student management services.'

Malcolm Brown, Director of Residential Organisation at Loughborough
University, commented:

'Applications to Loughborough University have risen significantly in the past
few years. It is essential that we ensure that our accommodation provision
keeps pace with our growth and we recognise the importance of investing in
quality accommodation for our students. UNITE demonstrated a clear
understanding of our needs and, importantly, those of the students who will be
the customers of the services it offers. We now look forward to working with
UNITE on this important project.'



                                   - ends -





Press Enquiries to:

Emma Kane, Chief Executive                         Tel: [phone]

Redleaf Communications Ltd                         Mob: [phone]



Geoffrey Maddrell, Chairman                         Tel: [phone]

The UNITE Group plc



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 £141.8 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.