Unite Students has launched a £24m refurbishment programme across three of its UK properties.
The projects at Station Court in Tottenham, N15; Oak Brook Park in Birmingham, and Bridge House in Edinburgh will improve student bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and common areas, as well as enhance the environmental performance of the buildings.
The updates, which are due to be completed this year, have been designed to improve the overall student experience and include new social and study spaces.
Station Court has 225 beds and will see the full refurbishment of all kitchens and bedrooms, as well as work to its bathrooms. The £5.7m project will also include enhancements to the entrance area, incorporating a new reception and increased amenities.
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 across its operations and developments by 2030.
The £9.2m refurbishment of Oak Brook Park in Selly Oak is being carried out in two phases. The first phase, which is under way, will include a full refurbishment of the property’s reception, kitchens, 375 bedrooms, and en suite bathrooms.
Solar panels will be installed, alongside LED lighting, and 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 in Fountainbridge has also commenced and includes new kitchens, bedrooms, and shared bathrooms. An extra shower room will also be installed in every flat.
The students will also 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.
The work will be completed by the start of the 2023/24 academic year.
Claire Barber, asset management director at Unite Students, said: “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 have 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.”
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