Phase one of a major student development near the University of Warwick in south west Coventry has been completed, with assistance from leading consulting engineer Howard Ward Associates (HWA).
The building, known as Oaks 1, forms part of a larger development known as The Oaks, and is located less than a kilometre from the city’s famous higher education institution.
Student Roost, who now operate the site, forward funded the project, which was developed by McLaren Property, and project managed by Stace and Corstorphine + Wright Architects.
The former office building site now transformed into Oaks 1 will provide 378 new student rooms to the area in a mixture of 288 cluster bedrooms and 90 studios, which are within a short walking distance of the university’s main campus.
Dan Bailey, director at HWA, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our long-standing working relationship with McLaren Property and the rest of the supply team on this significant project in Coventry.
“As the only purpose-built, large-scale student accommodation in the area, this will provide much-needed, quality rooms and studios for students to enjoy as they attend the University of Warwick. The accommodation couldn’t be in a better location, bordering the main campus with everything students need within easy reach.
“We’re proud to be continuing our work in the Midlands, particularly in these challenging times, and look forward to seeing the next phase of the project progress.”
The site boasts an open plan common room and games room, gym and virtual training areas, as well as study and social spaces across its 6,800 sq. ft. of amenity space. Significant contributions towards the area’s sustainable transport infrastructure have also been made by the funders of the scheme.
Phase one of the project was supplied with civil and structural engineering services from feasibility and planning stages by HWA. Two more phases are on the way, which will see two further buildings fully redeveloped to become Oaks 2 and Oaks 3. These are currently under construction and once completed, the site will have provided a total of 1,000 new student rooms and studios.
The Oaks is the only purpose-built student accommodation scheme adjacent to the University of Warwick.
Phase one was completed ahead of schedule and was ready for the beginning of the current academic year, with work officially starting back in September 2018.