Bouygues UK has successfully completed its first self-delivered modular student accommodation project at Canterbury Riverside
The modular student accommodation provides 491 bedrooms including studios, ‘two-dios’, premium rooms and cluster rooms with an en-suite. All rooms have access to the fitness studio, games area, roof terrace and courtyard as well as a study area and laundry.
The Riverside is located at the centre of a new leisure quarter in Canterbury, with a new public square overlooking the River Stour. The area features a five-screen Curzon Cinema, as well as restaurants and bars.
In addition to the student accommodation, the wider development also delivers 189 new home.
Offsite results in a shorter build time, less disturbance, a reduction in risk and improved quality
430 of the modules were built in a dedicated factory in Morocco, built by Bouygues UK to produce the student accommodation modules, and transported directly to the construction site in Canterbury for installation.
Three of Bouygues Construction’s companies are part of the major urban regeneration project; Linkcity the development partner of Canterbury City Council; Bouygues UK; and Uliving – Linkcity’s dedicated student accommodation brand.
MMC is a crucial part of the future of construction
Rob Bradley, CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “As our first self-delivered modular project, completing the student accommodation at Canterbury Riverside is a really exciting milestone for us. The completed project is of the highest standard and showcases our ability to design, build and operate student accommodation.
“Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) is a crucial part of the future for construction, and we have learned a tremendous amount from this scheme, which stands us in great stead for future modular projects.
“Its successful delivery is a result of great collaboration, between Bouygues UK, Linkcity, Uliving, Canterbury City Council and our colleagues in Morocco, where we built a dedicated factory to manufacture the modules. We are looking forward to utilising these skills much more going forward.”
Canterbury City Council cabinet member for Place which includes regeneration, Cllr Barbara Anne Flack, said: “For Canterbury, the epitome of a historic city, to become home to such modern buildings built in a cutting-edge and innovative way is something to be celebrated and sums up the kind of place this is.
“The fact this is part of a scheme that will revitalise a rundown but vitally important part of the city, provide the cinema and leisure facilities residents have been demanding for such a long time, create jobs and result in much-needed affordable housing is cause for a double celebration.”
