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Residential : Student Accommodation News

Global Student Accommodation and McAleer & Rushe celebrate construction milestone at student housing scheme St Crispin’s House, Norwich

Kenneth Booth October 21, 2022

Global Student Accommodation (GSA), the global leader in student housing, and leading UK Design & Build construction company, McAleer & Rushe have celebrated the ‘topping out’ of student housing scheme St Crispin’s House, Norwich. The construction milestone signifies the installation of the final piece of the structure of the building.

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DEVELOPER WINS APPEAL TO PROVIDE STYLISH STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Kenneth Booth September 12, 2022

Following a successful appeal by property and development company S Harrison, planning permission has been granted for a purpose-built student accommodation scheme with 64 studio apartments. Planning consultants, Turley, managed the appeal process that resulted in a decision being issued just three months after submission.  The appeal was lodged after

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Alumno rebrands to mark 15 years of revolutionising student housing

Kenneth Booth June 20, 2022

Marking 15 years of taking a unique, pioneering and award-winning approach to developing student accommodation, Alumno has launched new branding and an accompanying video. The move also enables the business to celebrate its exciting and highly successful journey to date and drive forward with renewed vigour into the recovery. The

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Award Winning Student Changing Construction Narrative

Award Winning Student Changing Construction Narrative

Cristina Diaconu April 4, 2022

Award-winning student Madeleine Clarke is part of a rising number of women pursuing a construction career at Coventry University and is hoping her achievement will inspire more young girls to consider a career in the industry. Third year Architectural Technology BSc student Madeleine won the West Midlands’ crown at The Association

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HG Construction set to reach new heights with SCAPE Leeds scheme

Kenneth Booth February 7, 2022

HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city.

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New Manchester student residence reaches topping out stage

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to

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CONSULTATION LAUNCHED ON NEW GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT FOR NOTTINGHAM SOUTHSIDE

Kenneth Booth December 10, 2021

A public consultation has been launched asking for views on a new gateway residential development planned for Wilford Road, within Nottingham City Centre ‘Southside’.  Jensco (Wilford Road) Limited, part of the Jensco Group, is proposing to build a development of purpose-built student accommodation on a cleared and underutilised site on

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Residential : Student Accommodation News

Scott Brownrigg masterplan for home of production (Hop) film and television studio submitted for planning

Kenneth Booth October 28, 2022

Scott Brownrigg’s masterplan for a new film and television studio campus in central Bedfordshire near Stewartby has been submitted for planning. The scheme redevelops a 143-acre site and former clay mineral quarry to provide over 1.75m sq ft flexible studio space together with on-site accommodation, amenities and a re-wilded water body and canal for developer VERB and film studio operator Quartermaster. Home of Production (HOP) Bedfordshire will set a new benchmark for sustainable studio facilities in the UK and will be the first facility designed by producers, for producers – also incorporating premium facilities aimed at squarely addressing the need for production crews to achieve better balance in their work environment. The former quarry, known as Quest Pit, opened in 1983 and was the last active brick pit in Bedfordshire when it closed in 2008, leaving a series of redundant brownfield sites with access tracks and flooded extraction bowls, and parts of the site up to 12 metres below natural ground level. The masterplan addresses this by placing four separate 430,500 sq ft production units on a 70-acre platform, four metres above the water level. These units centre around a restaurant and activity zone, visually linked to two large lakes that have formed over time due to the natural flooding of extraction pits. Workshops envelop studio space, while an outer loop road provides access to supporting facilities. Importantly, the land has already been purchased and realisation of the masterplan is fully- financed – meaning that a planning decision can move rapidly to commencement of the construction programme. Head of Masterplanning at Scott Brownrigg, Bruce Calton said of the project: “This complex brief, across an intriguing site, combines landscape, water and a highly-functional film and television campus masterplan. It has been a rewarding experience creating such a unique setting for the Home of Production (HOP) within the UK.” An accomplished and multi-disciplinary group was formed to drive the project forward and encompassing the broad range of skills and experience required for an ambitious project of this type. Quartermaster delivered the vision and extensive studio experience, in partnership with the real estate developer VERB to make that an operational reality. Scott Brownrigg and SWECO offered complementary input through the planning process to make the overall masterplan achieve as much as possible from the site, whilst accommodating each of the ambitious performance targets self- imposed by the group. The landscaping strategy developed by Macfarlane Associates includes the introduction of ecological corridors across the site and new wetland and floating reed beds to create habitats for future and existing wildlife species. Planting tall trees around the site perimeter and positioning large-scale buildings into the valley base will significantly reduce the visual impact of the development to the surrounding flat landscape across Bedfordshire. This deliberately-unobtrusive approach is allied to strong commitments to a sustainable future for the site – targeting BREEAM Excellent for the build whilst also installing PV panels across the site to supply somewhere between 50-85% dependent on occupation levels at a given time. A transport hub will connect the site to the local bus network with an arrival point for cyclists, pedestrians and coaches. New pedestrian links and walking routes will line the site’s parameter, with widened pavements to enhance usability and safety provided throughout. The Home of Production (HOP) development is anticipated to bring 1,400 jobs to the local area if approved. Submission for planning follows a series of public consultations where the scheme received significant public support, and with exciting plans in place to continue working hard with Central Bedfordshire Council plus a range local education bodies to return real, measurable benefits for the community in the coming years. A phased construction programme is due to start early 2023. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Global Student Accommodation and McAleer & Rushe celebrate construction milestone at student housing scheme St Crispin’s House, Norwich

Kenneth Booth October 21, 2022

Global Student Accommodation (GSA), the global leader in student housing, and leading UK Design & Build construction company, McAleer & Rushe have celebrated the ‘topping out’ of student housing scheme St Crispin’s House, Norwich. The construction milestone signifies the installation of the final piece of the structure of the building. Originally a 1970’s office block, St Crispin’s House is an example of how buildings can be repurposed, refurbished, extended, and given a new lease of life. When it opens in time for the 2023/24 academic year, the property will be home to 684 students, who will benefit from on-site facilities including communal spaces, a gym, podcast studio, a multi-purpose event room and a combination of individual and joint study spaces to support them on their higher education journey. By retaining the existing structure, the impacts of the development process are significantly minimised. Benefits include the reduction in environmental impact, a reduced development timeframe and subsequently a reduced impact on the local community. Additional initiatives will be implemented to secure a rating of BREEAM Very Good and a Fitwel three-star accreditation, the highest level available for St Crispin’s House. This includes 75% of the total roof level designed as a green roof, the installation of air-source heat pumps, and all electric heating. This approach is embraced by Yugo, GSA’s global operating partner, who are committed to delivering incredible experiences for students, supported by three core pillars — YugoEco, YuPro, and YuGrow. This includes identifying opportunities to cut carbon, reduce water use, purchase energy from renewable resources, and implement data measurement systems. Norwich’s leading universities, the University of East Anglia, and Norwich University of the Arts, attract 17,000 students combine, but 63% of full-time students are currently unable to access university or purpose-built student accommodation in the city. St Crispin’s House will contribute to reducing this shortfall and respond to the evolving needs and expectations of today’s students. Commenting on the milestone, Doug Barton, Development Manager at GSA said: “I would like to thank everyone at McAleer & Rushe and the wider construction team who have helped us to reach this fantastic milestone at St Crispin’s House. It’s testament to the expertise and our working relationship that we are another step closer to delivering much needed student housing for Norwich. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the team as we target completion in July 2023.” Commenting on the ceremony, Mark Elliott, Contracts Director at McAleer & Rushe said: “We are delighted to have reached the topping out milestone in the sustainable redevelopment of St Crispin’s House, which once complete, will provide market-leading student residences in the heart of Norwich. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire construction team for their hard work and our client Global Student Accommodation for their open and collaborative approach. We look forward to continuing our engagement partnerships within the local community as we continue with construction which is targeted to complete in July 2023.” Simon Griffiths, Regional Director UK and Ireland at Yugo added: “We are thrilled to see St. Crispin’s House heading into the final phase of construction. Once finished, this building and its outstanding amenities will be a hub for students to live, learn and grow during their university years. We are eager to open the doors to Yugo’s first living space in Norwich before the start of the 2023/24 academic year and partner with the universities here to provide the much-needed additional spaces for students to live their best life.”. Throughout the construction of St Crispin’s House, GSA and McAleer & Rushe are proud to support two important charities. The Lighthouse Club, which supports construction workers and their families, providing them with emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. And The Feed, a social enterprise with a mission to motivate change in people to prevent poverty, hunger and homelessness in Norwich. The businesses were delighted that The Feed was able to host the ‘topping out’ reception at their café at Waterloo Park.

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DEVELOPER WINS APPEAL TO PROVIDE STYLISH STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

Kenneth Booth September 12, 2022

Following a successful appeal by property and development company S Harrison, planning permission has been granted for a purpose-built student accommodation scheme with 64 studio apartments. Planning consultants, Turley, managed the appeal process that resulted in a decision being issued just three months after submission.  The appeal was lodged after members of the development management sub-committee refused the initial application, going against their planning officer’s recommendation that it should be approved. Turley also provided heritage and townscape services on the project. Designed by CDA, the scheme, on East Newington Place, off Newington Road will see an old, disused commercial unit demolished and the site redeveloped into a modern, energy-efficient four storey building, with on-site management. East Newington Place is located close to the main city centre campus of the University of Edinburgh and within easy reach of the amenities on Newington Road. As well as the 64 studios, the development has separate study rooms, a multimedia room, gym, break out space, cycle storage and a south facing courtyard garden. David Clancy, from S Harrison, said: “As the universities continue to successfully attract increasing student numbers, the provision of purpose-built student accommodation like this will help to relieve the pressure on family housing stock, which is very much in line with the council’s own guidance. “It’s the ideal location for a student development, just half a mile from the George Square campus, and a ten-minute cycle to both the King’s Buildings campus and Edinburgh Napier University’s Merchiston campus. We are confident students will be attracted to East Newington Place’s position, as well as the high-quality studios and communal facilities. “City of Edinburgh Council planning officers considered there to be no material planning reasons to justify refusal and that our designs will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. They also stated that the development will not result in excessive concentration of students in the locality, and the planning inspector agreed with these conclusions.” With a fabric first approach, the development will have full LED lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and utilise air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. David added: “The scheme has excellent energy efficient credentials and the high-quality building materials will reflect and be sympathetic to the surrounding buildings. Its height is also more in keeping with other buildings in the local area and it’s a positive result that will see a disused brownfield site get a fresh new future.” Demolition work will start next month, and work is due to start on site in spring 2023, with studios being ready for occupation for September 2024. S Harrison has excellent credentials in the student market. As well as developing several schemes in the north of England, East Newington Place represents the fourth successful scheme in Edinburgh, with further developments in the pipeline in the city, as well as in Glasgow. The business has also made a substantial investment in Edinburgh in recent years. In 2019 the company delivered a £25m scheme to provide a landmark boutique hotel for Malmaison in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town. The work saw the Grade A listed Buchan House, on the north-west corner of St Andrew Square, converted into a stylish 72-bedroom hotel complete with Malmaison’s renowned Chez Mal Bar and Brasserie. S Harrison also has planning permission for a stunning new hotel on Osborne Terrace.  The transformational scheme will see Osborne House, an old 1970s office building within the Wester Coates area, just West of Edinburgh’s city centre, converted into a new 157-bedroom hotel, with a restaurant and bar on the ground floor. The developer is also exploring opportunities for its 0.6-hectare site on Ocean Drive in Leith.

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Building set to be replaced as planning permission is granted for new student flats

Kenneth Booth August 26, 2022

Planning permission for new, 10-storey student accommodation on Talbot Street, Nottingham was granted on the 24th June 2022. The scheme, which will house 318 student beds, will replace the former Domestic and General office building located on the site. East Midlands-based engineering consultancy Howard Ward Associates (HWA) has been appointed as civil and structural engineer on the development through repeat work with long established clients, McLaren Property. From its head office in Nottingham, HWA delivers construction engineering consultancy services across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, emergency services, commercial and residential throughout the country. HWA has given pre purchase advice on engineering site constraints such as contamination, site levels and services. To support the planning application HWA provided a contamination preliminary risk assessment, transport assessment and travel plan, flood risk and SuDS strategy alongside civil and structural engineering design. The project provides an opportunity to regenerate an inner-city site in an area which is closely linked to Nottingham Trent University. Over the last five years, Wollaton Street, adjacent to Talbot Street, has been extensively redeveloped, providing areas which resemble an extension of the university campus. The purpose-built student accommodation provides social benefit by relieving pressure on community housing. Dan Bailey, managing director at HWA, said: “We are delighted to be working on the Talbot Street development following planning approval – refurbishing the former Domestic and General building into quality student accommodation for an area closely linked to Nottingham Trent University. “The site presents great opportunity to give a worthwhile contribution to the ongoing regeneration efforts in the inner city. We have been involved providing pre purchase due diligence on engineering matters and support through the planning phase for this student resi with McLaren Property, along with planning consultants Savills who navigated gaining the permission.” HWA will be working alongside Leonard Design, Chord Consult, Pulse Consult, and Evolve in the following phases, with the project programmed to complete for occupation in the 2025 academic year.

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Tide Construction receives full green light for 1000 student homes in Canary Wharf

Kenneth Booth August 5, 2022

Following a resolution to grant, referral to the GLA and the completion of the Section 106 Agreement, Tide has received full planning permission for its new student development 30 Marsh Wall. Modular construction will cut carbon emissions; build will be faster, cleaner, and safer Scheme increases Tide’s pipeline to more than 3,000 homes currently under construction with a significant further pipeline 30 Marsh Wall will provide 1,068 student beds with enhanced public realm including a park Industry leading modular developer and contractor Tide Construction has secured planning permission for a student accommodation scheme at 30 Marsh Wall, Canary Wharf, London, providing 1,068 beds. The building, designed by award-winning practice EPR Architects, will provide amenity space and a generously sized roof garden. The surrounding public realm will be enhanced with the creation of a much-needed public path between Cuba Street and Marsh Wall and a cleverly designed, high-quality recreational space or ‘pocket park’. Tide is the scheme’s developer and contractor and will construct the building with precision-made modules manufactured by its market-leading sister company Vision Modular Systems. The development further bolsters Tide Construction’s pipeline of projects under construction and in planning. Tide has more than 3,000 homes under construction and has seen sustained year-on-year growth in the past decade. Tide Construction, in partnership with its volumetric modular company Vision Modular Systems, has already delivered a significant portfolio of modular developments for institutional investors and partners in the UK across a range of asset classes including housing, hotels and Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). A recent independent academic study of Tide & Vision’s accredited method of delivery found it reduces embodied carbon emissions by up to 45%. The approach also cuts construction time by up to 50% and results in a more dependable construction programme, with efficient construction logistics minimising disruption in the local area.    At Marsh Wall, as pointed out by the planning officer’s report, Tide and Vision’s method of delivery will result in an 80% reduction in site waste, while ensuring that 100 % of any waste produced, is recycled. John Fleming, Chairman of Tide Construction, said: “This landmark scheme bolsters our portfolio of major schemes in London, further strengthening Tide and Vision’s role in revolutionising the way in which homes are delivered in the UK. Working in close collaboration with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and our consultants, this scheme will further demonstrate the power of modular to deliver buildings of the highest architectural quality with world-leading engineering. Thanks to sustained year-on-year growth in delivery and pipeline, Tide and Vision Modular will continue to develop and build institutional-grade buildings that confirm volumetric modular as a mainstream method of construction.” Pascal Wensink, Design Director of EPR Architects, said: “30 Marsh Wall truly showcases both the sustainability and the flexibility of the Vision Modular System, allowing us to have design freedom while benefitting from the offsite approach. The building has been designed to distinguish itself from a distance with a light bronze aluminium feature on the principal façade which extends vertically to form an expressive crown. The associated landscaping developed in collaboration with Spacehub forms part of a wider public realm strategy to enhance permeability and biodiversity on the Isle of Dogs.” Design Notes The form of the tower responds to the site’s complex triangular nature, proximity to adjacent buildings and significant level change. A light bronze aluminium vertical band on the principal façade highlights the main entrance before extending up the full 48 storeys, connecting with an identical feature on the opposite elevation at the top of the building to form a distinct crowning expression. Secondary horizontal articulations varying in depth to provide solar shading on each level with a white glazed terracotta infill creates an undulating pattern around the building, transitioning into a dark bronze to form a continuous plinth around its base. This scheme clearly demonstrates the flexibility in design that the Vision Modular System makes possible.

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Alumno rebrands to mark 15 years of revolutionising student housing

Kenneth Booth June 20, 2022

Marking 15 years of taking a unique, pioneering and award-winning approach to developing student accommodation, Alumno has launched new branding and an accompanying video. The move also enables the business to celebrate its exciting and highly successful journey to date and drive forward with renewed vigour into the recovery. The new simple, classic logo design by Graphic Thought Facility puts the Alumno name centre stage within a circle of soft blue. “It projects a well-crafted, purposeful and human image, reflective of a company with soul,” according to Graphic Thought Facility Creative Director Andy Stevens. This perfectly aligns with Alumno’s continuing mission to change the perception of student accommodation by creating unique buildings that reflect the heritage of the local area and make a valuable contribution to the communities within which they are built, while working hard for occupants. “We believe we always manage to get these elements working together in harmony – and that’s what helps make us unique,” explains Alumno managing director David Campbell in the accompanying video, which distils the developer’s design-led philosophy of delivering exceptional functionality and key community benefits, incorporating work by local artists and supporting local causes. It succinctly tells the Alumno story, using striking imagery of its developments and the local art incorporated into them. “Their schemes are unique and bespoke to the local area, with the arts elements always site specific,” said art curator Matthew Jarratt, who works closely with Alumno to commission the artistic elements of each building. “They also work with exceptional designers for their interior spaces and great landscape architects for their public spaces, so there’s a lot of attention to detail, and it’s this commitment to design which makes them stand out.” Commenting on how the pandemic affected Alumno and what the future holds, Campbell said: “It was tough, but like everyone we have managed to keep going, delivering several buildings and some of our best. So, it’s shown we are resilient and have strong foundations. It’s also driven us to try harder and build better, even more ambitious developments that reflect the ongoing changes in how we all live and study. “We currently have five projects on site across the country. Our mission going forward is to create diverse buildings that continue to offer more to residents and communities, and we will keep raising the bar. We also want to ensure we continue to provide affordable accommodation offering a good blend of rents for all budgets.” Alumno is also starting to explore opportunities for life after university as the bridge before homeownership. “Affordable, single person accommodation is a major theme and issue impacting on all towns and cities throughout the UK,” said Campbell.

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Award Winning Student Changing Construction Narrative

Award Winning Student Changing Construction Narrative

Cristina Diaconu April 4, 2022

Award-winning student Madeleine Clarke is part of a rising number of women pursuing a construction career at Coventry University and is hoping her achievement will inspire more young girls to consider a career in the industry. Third year Architectural Technology BSc student Madeleine won the West Midlands’ crown at The Association of Women in Property 2021 Student of the Year Awards, an event that aims to increase and support the 15% of women who make up the construction and property workforce.  Coventry University is helping to address that figure, with women making up a quarter of the students studying built environment courses at the university. Madeleine, who was 23 when she decided to pursue her dream, is keen to increase exposure of careers in construction to young women. “The only careers that were pitched to me at school were nursing or teaching. I was only exposed to a career in architecture when I completed a career quiz online. When I go to these Women in Property events it is great because the room is filled with women in the industry.” “I just want to encourage more women and girls to look into a career in property or construction because exposure is important, and I want to show people through this award that you can change your path and do something different,” she said. Sabine Coady Schäbitz, Curriculum Lead for Built Environment at Coventry University, says the university wants to drive change in the industry. “We are proud of Madeline and are actively encouraging women to enrol on our professional courses in the Built Environment. In the last five years the percentage of women studying with us rose from 17.3% to 26.4%. We are working closely with industry and the professional bodies to further increase equality, diversity and inclusion in the creation and management of the Built Environment,” Sabine commented. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction Industry News

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HG Construction set to reach new heights with SCAPE Leeds scheme

Kenneth Booth February 7, 2022

HG Construction has been named as the main contractor on SCAPE’s new student accommodation scheme in Leeds which will top 100m high and provide 693 bedrooms for local students. The Merrion Street development will be Scape’s first student accommodation scheme in Leeds and HG Construction’s first development in the city. The scheme, which will be built on the site of the former Santander building, comprises purpose-built student accommodation including shared amenity spaces built across two blocks, with two retail units on the ground floors.   The tallest of the two blocks will be 32 storeys, making it HG Construction’s tallest development to date and amongst the tallest buildings in Leeds. The second block will be 11 storeys high. The new scheme is set to make an impressive addition to the Leeds skyline, with striking unitized glass facades on the high-rise building.  Shared facilities will include a cinema, communal kitchens, gym, study and breakout spaces, a fourth-floor terrace with outside space, and cycle storage at ground level. SCAPE is one of the UK’s leading student accommodation providers, focusing on the quality of the student experience and their personal well-being.  The Leeds scheme will be the 10th scheme that HG Construction has delivered for SCAPE.  The company is currently building a 774-bed student accommodation led scheme for SCAPE in Canada Street, London and has recently finished a student accommodation and co-living scheme with 500 beds in Guilford. Adam Quinn, Managing Director, HG Construction said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SCAPE to deliver this iconic new student accommodation scheme in Leeds. SCAPE has an excellent reputation for developing high quality, innovative student accommodation schemes which provide an exceptional living experience for students across the UK. We are proud to be involved in this significant new development in Leeds, our first project in the city, and we look forward to working with SCAPE and the wider team to bring this scheme to life.” Adam Brockley, Global CDO, SCAPE said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with HG Construction to bring to life our vision for a new student accommodation scheme at this landmark site in Leeds. HG Construction has earned an impeccable reputation for its forward-thinking design and innovative developments that go above and beyond anybody’s expectations. We are proud to be bringing our high-quality accommodation to a city so well-known for its vibrant student life as we continue with our ambitious plans to develop the global Scape offering.” 

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New Manchester student residence reaches topping out stage

Kenneth Booth February 4, 2022

Much needed new accommodation for Manchester’s growing student community developed by Alumno has reached the landmark topping out stage on schedule with the structure of the building now complete. Built on a site south of the city centre previously occupied by the disused Church Inn public house and close to major arterial road The Mancunian Way, the nine-storey building will consist of 62 studio apartments, along with a communal area, rooftop terrace, office and storage space for 16 bikes. Landscaping will also be carried out to highlight the history of the site, with the reclaimed facade bricks being used to create a bespoke seating area outside the development. The location is close to a range of facilities and departments of Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester School of Art, Manchester Business School and the University of Manchester. Built by the GMI Construction Group, the development supports two key ambitions of Manchester City Council. First, to prioritise purpose-built student accommodation to protect family homes from conversion to multiple occupation properties. Second, to achieve a zero-carbon target for Manchester by establishing student accommodation close to educational establishments, reducing the need for travel and minimising emissions. Scheduled for completion for the start of the 2022 academic year, the development has been designed by Carson & Partners to enhance and complement the local area. It will also directly benefit the adjacent community, with Alumno partnering charity One Manchester to secure a £50,000 fund for local community projects. “We are also working to provide pioneering navigation aids using GPS wayfinding technology to help visually impaired students, and will install CCTV surveillance equipment to ensure the site is safe and secure, and deter anti-social behaviour,” explained Alumno Managing Director David Campbell. “I’m delighted we have reached this landmark stage on schedule, and as usual with our student residences, look forward to commissioning new public art to further enhance the public space around the building.” Commenting on the development, Iain Carson from Carson & Partners said: “It’s exciting to see another of our projects with Alumno that will rejuvenate and enhance the local area reach the topping out stage.” Marc Banks of GMI added: “Getting to this stage is a real team effort, and we’re all looking forward to going full steam ahead to ensure students can benefit from the building in 2022.”

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CONSULTATION LAUNCHED ON NEW GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT FOR NOTTINGHAM SOUTHSIDE

Kenneth Booth December 10, 2021

A public consultation has been launched asking for views on a new gateway residential development planned for Wilford Road, within Nottingham City Centre ‘Southside’.  Jensco (Wilford Road) Limited, part of the Jensco Group, is proposing to build a development of purpose-built student accommodation on a cleared and underutilised site on the corner of Wilford Road and Traffic Street. The development of the site will further contribute towards the regeneration of the Southside, connecting the City Centre with the Meadows. The development, designed by Nottingham based architects CPMG, would provide a mix of studio apartments and clustered bedrooms around a shared kitchen and lounge, for up to 356 students. Designed as two blocks, both using brick palettes, the style is indicative of Nottingham’s industrial past, contributing towards reinstating Traffic Street’s historic frontage whilst providing a landmark to the Southside regeneration area. Both Traffic Street and Wilford Road will benefit from attractive frontages and a vastly improved, upgraded public realm. A public arrival plaza will link to a community café, creating a vibrant and safe space, as well as connectivity between a central courtyard fronting Traffic Street. The development will vary in height from six storeys up to twenty storeys. The elegant, taller elements will be set back from the Traffic Street and Wilford Road  frontages, helping the buildings to blend with their surroundings. Sustainability is at the core of the scheme, contributing towards Nottingham’s aspiration to become carbon neutral by 2028, through a careful choice of materials and the inclusion of modern highly sustainable features. The development is designed to enhance and support wildlife and ecology, helping to improve CO2 balance with the planting of wildlife-friendly native species and the re-introduction of nature to the built environment. This will include bird boxes, as well as planting beds for on-site food growing. The location has a fascinating, varied history. It was once an area used for growing crocuses to harvest saffron, with which the developer hopes to re-establish this connection by planting a number of native crocus species. The unattractive and overgrown brownfield site has remained vacant for over fourteen years. Several new developments along Traffic Street, including the soon to be completed Ten Traffic Street also by Jensco, are a sign of Nottingham’s growing pace of regeneration, providing jobs and high-quality student accommodation. The ‘Southern Gateway’ is quickly becoming an established area within the City Centre that benefits from excellent transport links — with the train station, tram and City Link bus service all easily accessible on foot. Walking and cycle routes are also a key benefit. Three Wilford Road is a stone’s throw from the newly proposed University of Nottingham Campus at Castle Meadow and will help to address the evidential need by Nottingham City Council to provide more high-quality student accommodation in the right locations, which in turn helps to redress the balance of houses in multiple occupation (HMO’s) being occupied by students. Nigel Bobroff, Director at Jensco Group, commented: “Jensco Group is passionate about creating great places to live in Nottingham and has a strong track record for bringing forward attractive, sustainable developments on strategic sites in the East Midlands, including our latest development at Ten Traffic Street, to be completed during 2022.” “Three Wilford Road will be a high-quality and sensitively designed, car-free, purpose-built student housing development in the heart of Nottingham Southside, with 24-hour a day on-site management, vastly improved public realm and fantastic transport links to both universities.” “Nottingham is seeing continued growth at both universities and with 64,000 students, there remains about 30,000 students unable to access purpose-built accommodation, with close to 20,000 students living in houses that could provide homes for local families”. “As with our Traffic Street development, Jensco will continue to work with local firms, the local supply chain and local labour to deliver the development, bringing significant economic benefits to Nottingham both during and after construction”. The public consultation is online. More details of the scheme and images can be viewed at: http://www.planningconsultationonline.co.uk/three-wilford-road

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