Developer, builder, civil engineering and property maintenance business – Osborne – has demonstrated the strong relationship between the Developments and Construction divisions of its company – highlighting the benefits of the contractor/developer approach by delivering their latest purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme, Elmstead Place in Colchester, in time for the start of the 2020 academic year.
The design of the scheme was completed in close working with Osborne’s construction business to incorporate modern methods of construction and off-site modular elements to streamline delivery.
“When the first lockdown was announced back in March, we were faced with the very real prospect of completely missing the September 2020 delivery date.”
“However, our model of building our own developments really came into its own. We didn’t get bogged down in contractual issues and instead our project team were able to quickly switch focus to working out the best way to keep the site open and on a programme that would allow safe occupation as close to the original date as possible.”
Andy Steele, Chief Executive, Osborne
Acquired, delivered and now operationally managed by Osborne, Elmstead Place PBSA scheme is immediately opposite the University of Essex campus. The scheme provides a mix of townhouses and studio flats. A new 138 bed direct let development has been designed as 15 self-contained townhouses fronting onto a central landscaped green. The three storey townhouses all include en-suite facilities along with generous kitchen/ living spaces on the ground floor.
Also incorporated within the complex are a further 15 studio flats – which include several flats suitable for dual occupancy, along with a separate reception, student lounge and communal facilities for laundry and storage.
The development gives students the opportunity to experience off campus living while retaining the advantages that come from being in a purpose-built student environment.
The completed scheme has been well received, occupancy levels have been very strong, and Osborne’s operational team are already building a vibrant student community, with many students already asking to re-book for next year.
