Uliving appointed preferred bidder of University of Hertfordshire's 3,000 Bed Student Accommodation Scheme
A milestone has been reached in the University of Hertfordshire’s student accommodation scheme with the appointment of Uliving as the preferred development partner to deliver 3,000 residential student dwellings on campus at the University. The Uliving Consortium is made up of major developer Bouygues Development and not-for-profit accommodation operator, Derwent Living.
About the scheme
The University of Hertfordshire’s appointment of a private partner to redevelop on-campus student accommodation will see the transfer of 502 of the University’s existing residences and the delivery of a further 2,511 new build units at the University’s College Lane campus in Hatfield. The scheme will also provide new sports pitches, a campus gym, informal learning and social spaces and a new dedicated bus route. The University’s vision is to create a fully inclusive living and learning environment which will significantly enhance the students’ lives whilst at university.
Timelines
The scheme will be delivered in three phases with the first phase set to commence in May 2013 and complete in September 2014. Each phase thereafter will be completed in time for the start of the following academic year with the entire scheme scheduled for completion in September 2016. Works will run alongside the existing accommodation units, which will be operated by Uliving, from May 2013 and be in full operation throughout the construction phase of the scheme.
Market leader in sustainability
The University of Hertfordshire’s Student Accommodation Scheme is set to be a market leader in sustainability representing an exciting first in its sector. The new buildings will achieve ‘True’ Zero Carbon accreditation and meet BREEAM Outstanding status.
Andrew May, Director of Estates, Hospitality and Contract Services at the University of Hertfordshire said: “This project is a significant strategic development for the University. It is not only about investing in the learning and living environments of our staff and students but the financial benefits from this asset will also allow us to further develop core academic services in the future.”
Stephane Slama-Royer, Managing Director of Uliving and Managing Director of Bouygues Development said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Uliving and we are really proud to be a part of such a transformational scheme. As student accommodation developers and managers we recognise that the quality of student accommodation has a huge influence on the student experience and that the provision of exceptional living environments is central to the success of these communities."
Martin Corbett, Director of Residential Services of Uliving and Managing Director of Derwent FM said: “We are delighted that Uliving has been selected as preferred bidder. We have an excellent track record in listening and providing what students want and delivering exceptional standards of service to our student communities across the country. We look forward to working with the University of Hertfordshire and the Student Union to deliver an exceptional student experience as part of this long term partnership.”
Conal Newland, Director of Student Housing and Higher Education at Jones Lang LaSalle commented: “We are delighted that such a significant project with a bold approach to sustainability and the student experience has proven to be so attractive to consortia even in the current funding market and has attracted bids of the highest quality, led by the bid from Uliving."