Construction work will include delivery of 1,164 new student homes across seven blocks and a  new multi-storey car park and Teaching & Learning Centre for the University of Leicester.

ENGIE has also signed a 50-year hard facilities management and lifecycle contract and will take an equity stake in project alongside Equitix and the university.

Martin Smithurst, Divisional Chief Operating Officer for ENGIE’s Places & Communities Division (North), said: “This is a prime project for ENGIE, as it’s one of the few occasions where we get to showcase our broad capabilities in placemaking.

“These contracts not only allow us to demonstrate our expertise across energy, services and regeneration; but provides us with the opportunity to apply our long-term investment model, by taking an equity stake in the scheme.

“This assures our partners and students of our long-term commitment to Leicester and its university.

“We have delivered several similar higher education projects across the country and we’re delighted to be working with the University of Leicester, as well as Equitix, on such a remarkable scheme that will create a lasting legacy in Leicester.”

Building work is scheduled to start in September and will take three years to complete.