Unite Partnership

Unite Group PLC
9 February 2001

Date:               9 February 2001

Embargoed until:     0700hrs





UNITE CONFIRMS PARTNERSHIP WITH

GATESHEAD NHS TRUST

The UNITE Group plc, the UK's leading specialist provider of accommodation
services for students and key workers, has today announced the signing of a
significant partnership with Gateshead NHS Trust, including an investment of £
1.7 Million.

The Company, which was nominated as the preferred partner to Gateshead NHS
Trust in September 2000, has now completed the acquisition of a one hundred
and twenty five year leasehold interest on three purpose built residential
properties at the main Queen Elizabeth Hospital site in Gateshead.

The properties provide 89 beds for NHS Trust staff and medical students, as
well as doctors and nurses at the hospital. UNITE is now undertaking a
comprehensive refurbishment programme, on completion of which UNITE's
Accommodation Services operation will assume the management and maintenance of
the accommodation on a long-term basis.

Commenting on the partnership with Gateshead NHS Trust, Nick Porter, Chief
Executive of UNITE said:

'This new partnership is a significant milestone in our nationwide roll-out
strategy and demonstrates our success in providing residential accommodation
solutions for NHS Trust health service staff. We look forward to working with
Gateshead NHS Trust. '

Peter Harding, Director of Estates at Gateshead Health NHS Trust commented:

'Developing a long-term strategy for the provision of quality and affordable
accommodation is a key priority for Gateshead NHS Trust and we are delighted
to be able to confirm this partnership with UNITE, who will be able to manage
our portfolio to a high standard over the long term.'

                                     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:

About UNITE

  * UNITE was founded in 1991 by Nick Porter.
  * UNITE is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange and is currently
    capitalised at £140.2 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.