With support from the University of Bath and Bath Spa who welcomed the need for PBSA to free up housing for local people, developer Alumno, alongside builder RED Construction Group’s Southwest team, have celebrated the topping out of the £13m mixed-use Hollis Wharf purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Bath.
The construction milestone was marked by a topping out ceremony attended by Alumno’s CEO David Campbell, RED Construction and AAW Architects.
Heitman funded the the 45,000 sq ft Hollis Wharf development, which is due to complete in late summer 2025. It will deliver 120 self-contained studios, en-suite rooms and cluster bedrooms. Amenities include a range of entertainment, play and study spaces with a large roof terrace offering views over the city.
The ground and mezzanine floors will be occupied by local charity Mercy in Action, who have been based on the site for many years.
Mercy in Action plan to make the new purpose-built storage and distribution centre a cornerstone of their business moving forward, allowing them to continue their vital work within the community.
Designed by AAW Architects – with the wider team including Structural Engineer Iesis and Services Consultants Silcock Dawson – the new five storey building will sit within the context and rich heritage of Bath and the UNESCO World Heritage site, and adjacent Grade II Listed buildings.
Located on the riverside of the River Avon, Hollis Wharf is also within walking distance to Bath’s city centre and Bath Spa University, delivering much-needed PBSA for its students.
“This project has been a collaboration between our team, architects, contractors and local stakeholders, and we are thrilled to see the vision come to life.
“The topping out signifies the strong progress we’ve made, and we’re looking forward to welcoming students to this exceptional new residence in Bath.”
David Campbell, Managing Director, Alumno
In keeping with Alumno’s commitment to integrating art and culture into its buildings, the Hollis Wharf development will showcase local artistic talent and celebrate the area and its history. The building’s atrium will incorporate a sculptural installation by renowned ceramic artist Patricia Volk.
Based in Bath, Patricia is known for her ability to merge contemporary ceramics with historical references, and her work for the scheme will pay homage to the area’s textile industry. Her sculpture, inspired by Bath’s rich traditions in textiles and dyeing, will serve as a visual focal point in the building, creating a bridge between past craftsmanship and contemporary design.
“Our team has worked carefully within the rich heritage of the site to deliver a sustainable, mixed-use community.
“We are proud to have worked alongside Alumno and the wider project team on this prominent riverside location for the students of Bath and applaud the client on the creative use of art within the space.”
Derek Quinn, Executive Director, RED Construction Southwest
Additionally, the atrium will feature a wall-based map of Bath’s River Avon, showcasing the significance of the 18th-century industrial landscape. The map will offer a visual narrative of the river’s vital role in the city’s development and its historical connection to the textile industry, highlighting the ways in which the area’s industries have shaped Bath over time.
