163-bed student accommodation development opening in Autumn 22 to be completed in Worcester
July 26, 2021
A project providing student accommodation for 163 students has commenced less than a mile from the University of Worcester St John’s campus and Arena sites.
The project is owned and is being developed by Space Developments, a social infrastructure investor/developer. Following successful completion of strip out and enabling works, J Tomlinson has now been appointed as main contractor to deliver this highly-anticipated scheme, which involves the regeneration of one of Worcester City’s largest and most historic listed buildings (formerly a YMCA-managed hostel), as well as completion of a new accommodation block that will sit adjacent to the existing structures.
Collaborative working: Construction/Care, Refurbishment, and Engineering Services
Upon completion in 2022, the development will comprise of three buildings, providing a mixture of cluster flats and self-contained studios, with the main building also housing, student communal areas and services.
Space Developments has worked closely with Worcester Council’s Conservation and Planning team to ensure sympathetic conversion of the existing (“main”) building as well as completion of the design and build of the new build block adjacent to it.
J Tomlinson’s Construction/Care, Refurbishment, and Engineering divisions will be working side by side in a multi-team format to manage the various elements of the build and provide all associated mechanical and electrical services and installations, with the client benefitting from a unified service.
All living spaces will contain spacious bedroom areas, most with en-suite bathrooms, kitchen and lounge areas, with all three buildings benefitting from a large communal courtyard that will further help to encourage interaction between students.
Quote from Tony Shenton:
Tony Shenton, director of J Tomlinson’s Construction division, commented: “We’re delighted to be working with Space Developments on this sustainable student residence scheme that will provide high-quality, spacious accommodation to students from the start of the 2022/2023 academic year.
Working closely with our in-house refurbishment and engineering teams, whom are specialists in delivering refurbishment projects – including those involving heritage buildings - we look forward to delivering a high-quality project via a fully collaborative approach.”
Student Accommodation Expertise
The development will create an inclusive space in which students feel part of a community, create lasting friendships and can thrive.
Previous student accommodation schemes delivered by J Tomlinson include the refurbishment of four three-storey blocks (including student dormitories and communal areas) at the University of Warwick, and the design and build of three blocks and refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Dagfa House building (Beeston) to create 217 new living spaces for University of Nottingham students.
In 2019 the company’s refurbishment and engineering division provided the mechanical and engineering (M&E) infrastructure for a 922-bed student residential scheme for Coventry University students.
Quote from Space Developments:
Tim Edghill, Principal at Space Developments, said: “J Tomlinson have significant experience managing student accommodation schemes, which has made them the partner of choice for this project.
“We are delighted to be working with them on this exciting student living space that will breathe new life into this historic site and deliver community living for university students whilst regenerating this site to give it a new purpose and community benefit.”
About Space Developments Limited
Space Developments is an investor/developer of social infrastructure real estate assets. It is a leader in the delivery of healthcare, education and residential living spaces. It is a sustainable developer focussed on creating vibrant settings and desirable places to live, work and enjoy community.
About J Tomlinson Ltd
1950s-founded J Tomlinson provides a range of integrated building solutions including construction, refurbishment, energy services, engineering services, repairs and maintenance and facilities management.
The company operates across the Midlands, Yorkshire, Northern and Central England, working with organisations from a wide range of key sectors, including education, heritage, student accommodation, healthcare, extra care, emergency services and industrial.
Image credit: Space Developments
J Tomlinson, which was founded in Nottingham the 1950s, works primarily across the Midlands, Yorkshire and Northern and Central England.
The company provides a range of sustainable building solutions including refurbishment, repairs and maintenance, engineering services, extra care construction, renewable energy, and facilities management, working across a range of key sectors including extra care, healthcare, blue light, social housing and local government.
