Historic Derry property revitalised as Ulster University expands city presence
Magazine Studios opens its doors to students following major joint refurbishment project
Ulster University has partnered with Nerve Centre to transform a former youth hostel on Derry’s Magazine Street into 32 new student bedspaces.
Magazine Studios, which is owned by Nerve Centre, welcomed its first cohort of Ulster University students at the end of August ahead of the new academic year.
The Nerve Centre has invested significantly in the refurbishment of the building, with additional funding provided by the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund and Foyle Foundation.
Finished to a high standard, the building is laid out as five apartments across its floors: four ensuite cluster flats providing 29 bedrooms, and a three-bedroom penthouse apartment. Every bedroom has a double bed, and each apartment has a large shared kitchen and communal living area with high ceilings.
Paislie, an Ulster University Business Studies student and a new resident of Magazine Studios, said: “Living at Magazine Studios has made my university experience so much better. I’ve met some amazing people, made great memories and really feel like I have a home away from home. The accommodation is in a great location, and I love having everything I need right on my doorstep."
Rent includes utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi. The building has its own laundry room on the ground floor, communal areas are cleaned daily during the week, and each apartment receives a weekly clean. As owner and landlord, Nerve Centre, located next door, looks after maintenance of the building.
Residents are supported by Ulster University’s ResLife team, including a Residential Assistant, first year Graduate Entry Medicine student Tiffany Gracias, who lives on site, and a night team on duty through the week, who help students settle in, run community events and are on hand if needed.
Tiffany said: “Living at Magazine Studios has been fantastic. The accommodation is located in the heart of the city, with a variety of social spots on your doorstep, while still only being a short walk from the main campus. The rooms are well designed, and the shared living spaces are extremely spacious. Overall, I couldn’t recommend it more."
The building is located on the same street as the 40-bed Magazine Street residence, a heritage-led regeneration project led by the Inner City Trust with Ulster University as a partner, which opened in August 2024.
Together, the two buildings are bringing new life to properties in the city centre and a growing student community to live in the heart of the city.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said: “As we continue to expand our Derry campus, we need high-quality homes for the students who choose to study here. Magazine Studios gives this building a new purpose, right in the heart of the city, and places our students at the centre of city life.
“We are grateful to the Nerve Centre for its partnership, and to the UK Government and the Foyle Foundation, whose support made this refurbishment possible. It is another example of what we can achieve when we work alongside partners in the city to invest in its future.”
Pearse Moore, Chief Executive at Nerve Centre, said: “We are delighted to see this building transformed into high-quality student accommodation. Our strategic partnership with Ulster University will provide direct benefits for students while bringing new life to the heart of our city centre.
“Importantly, the income generated through Magazine Studios will also support Nerve Centre’s wider cultural programming and our ongoing work across the city.”