Working alongside JSK on the project is Washington-based architects Mario Minchella Ltd and the Newcastle-based quantity surveyors, CD Associates (UK) Ltd, among others.
Mr Woo acknowledged that there were many different student developments now appearing around Newcastle. However, the company saw this as a good thing, indicating a strong market.
“We want to go for a high standard and would like this particular project to stand out,” he said.
“We're a lot smaller than the big boys, so we have to prove ourselves through the quality we provide.”
Pitt Street has been at the centre of a number of student developments in recent years, including St James' Point, the 216-bed accommodation block, and the Newcastle University Business School, which was built in 2011 on the site of the former Newcastle and Scottish brewery.
“We see it as an up-and-coming location and an attractive one for students,” Mr Woo added. “It will be right next door to Science City, for example, as well as the business school.”
It is anticipated that the project will be completed by August 2015, with the first students moving in at the beginning of the September term.
Malcolm Hart, joint director at the Sunderland-based Hallgate Construction, said: “We tend to be selective with our contracts, taking on larger jobs rather than lots of smaller contracts. In the past, we've been heavily involved in care homes.”
“This is first venture into student accommodation, but it is a similar kind of work.”
Mr Wong said: “Newcastle has so much growth potential; it is hard not to invest into such a beautiful place as Newcastle, where I have lived, growing up, and trained as a quantity surveyor.”
The new studio flats will be available for rent or to buy. Through the JSK group of companies, Mr Wong is also planning developments in China and Australia.