Client
Castle Square Developments Ltd
Challenge:
The rapid expansion of the University of Lincoln had led to growing demand for purpose-built student accommodation in close proximity to the University’s city centre campus. A brownfield site in the city centre secured by the client presented an ideal opportunity to develop a large accommodation scheme tailored to the university’s requirements. The build programme was strict with work commencing in early 2018 and completion required for September 2019 in order to be ready for the university intake.
Solution:
The linear nature of the site lent itself to a series of connected wings each separated by a communal courtyard space, each wing containing 8 townhouses arranged over 4 floors. Each townhouse arranged around a central staircase with communal living room and kitchen at ground level and two bedrooms on each of the three floors above. To achieve the completion date required by the client, an innovative construction methodology was utilised with the contractor. A timber frame was used, which meant prefabricated panels could be built in the factory and assembled quickly on site along with bathroom pods that were manufactured off site to speed along the build programme.
Conclusion:
Valentine Court has successfully blended the desirable factors of a traditional town house format with the positives of a self-contained student accommodation development including security, communal refuse facilities and a reception manned 24/7. Amenities was key to the desirability of the development; we have provided many communal areas including a barbequing area in the courtyard and the kitchen opens onto a patio to promote social cohesion and well being for students.
