THE UNITE GROUP PLC Annual Report and Accounts 2024 42 Case study Our Newcastle University joint venture We entered our first joint venture (JV) framework agreement in 2024, agreeing to work with Newcastle University on the development of 2,000 new student beds at Castle Leazes (subject to planning permission). This long-term strategic partnership builds on an existing 20-year partnership with the university, which is a part of the Russell Group. We’re jointly planning to invest £250 million into redeveloping the Castle Leazes site, creating more sustainable, high-quality accommodation for students. Unite Students will build and manage the property, in addition to providing 1,600 beds at our other sites for Newcastle University students during the development phase. With the original building demolished in the summer of 2024, construction is due to start in 2025 and complete in time for the 2027/28 academic year. STRATEGIC REPORT RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTORS IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT We confirm that to the best of our knowledge: • The financial statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole • The strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face • The Annual Report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy. Joe Lister Michael Burt Chief Executive Chief Financial Officer 25 February 2025 FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The preceding preliminary statement has been prepared for the shareholders of the Company, as a body, and for no other persons. Its purpose is to assist shareholders of the Company to assess the strategies adopted by the Company and the potential for those strategies to succeed and for no other purpose. The preliminary statement contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with, among other things, the economic, regulatory and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the sectors and markets in which the Group operates. It is believed that the expectations reflected in these statements are reasonable, but they may be affected by a wide range of variables that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements will be realised. The forward-looking statements reflect the knowledge and information available at the date of preparation. Nothing in the preliminary statement should be considered or construed as a profit forecast for the Group. Except as required by law, the Group has no obligation to update forward- looking statements or to correct any inaccuracies therein.