Student accommodation provider Unite Students has revealed plans for a £24m refurbishment scheme across three of its UK purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) properties – Station Court in London, Oak Brook Park in Birmingham, and Bridge House in Edinburgh.
The projects, which will be completed this year, will see improvements to student bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, common areas, as well as enhancements to the environmental performance of the buildings. The updates have been designed to improve the overall student experience and include new social and study spaces.
In September, 225-bed Tottenham-based Station Court will see the full refurbishment of all kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms. The £5.7m project will also see enhancements to the entrance area, incorporating a new reception and increased amenities, including flexible study areas and social spaces enhancing the student experience.
Solar panels are being installed to generate renewable electricity on site, along with smart controls on hot water and heating systems as part of measures to help Unite Students realise its aim to be net zero carbon across its operations and developments by 2030.
Close to Seven Sisters station, the scheme will reach completion by the end of 2023, with the new amenity space reaching completion in 2024.
Work at the 375-bed Oak Brook Park PBSA scheme at Selly Oak, Birmingham, is also underway and will be carried out in two phases. The first phase is a £9.2m project, which will include a full refurbishment of the scheme’s reception, kitchens and en-suite bathrooms.
Solar panels will be installed, alongside LED lighting, new heating, and hot water cylinders using an advanced smart control system to optimise energy performance.
Work will complete in time for the start of the 2023/24 academic year. The second phase of work, to the 281-bed block situated across the road, is due to take place in 2024.
The £9.1m project at the 319-bed Bridge House PBSA scheme in Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, has also started and includes new kitchens, bedrooms and shared bathrooms. An extra shower room will also be installed in every flat and residents will benefit from the creation of a new reception entrance, additional study spaces, a cinema room and other social spaces.
Smart-controlled hot water cylinders will help cut energy use, alongside upgrades to the building fabric, including cladding improvements, new external render, plus a full window replacement.
Work will be completed by the start of the 2023/24 academic year, transforming the building both internally and externally.
“The refurbishment projects announced today are key to enhancing the student experience and will also make a significant contribution towards Unite Students’ goal of net zero carbon across its operations and developments by 2030. We’ve placed particular emphasis on spaces for residents to interact and study – which will make a real difference to day-to-day student living in these key locations. These refurbishments follow on from major works carried out in Manchester last year and highlight our continued commitment to providing students with a Home for Success.”
Claire Barber, Asset Management Director, Unite Students
