Modular construction specialists Caledonian and ENGIE have secured a £10m order for new student accommodation at Station Approach, Hereford
The modular construction project will provide Hereford College of Arts and the city’s new NMiTE University with 178 student bedrooms each with its own study area and en-suite bathroom, along with other areas of accommodation.
Caledonian was selected as the modular building partner at Station Approach due to its track record in supplying student accommodation, willingness to collaborate with project partners and ability to deliver value for money.
All the modules will be pre-finished by Caledonian at its 40-acre site in Newark, Nottinghamshire. Manufacturing the modules offsite ensures high build quality, whilst reducing the build schedule by around a half compared to a conventional build, allowing infrastructure and groundworks to progress at the same time as the accommodation is being manufactured.
Once completed the modular construction accommodation will be indistinguishable from a conventional build and will be ready for occupation by students in September 2020.
Herefordshire Council is carrying out the project with development partners, ENGIE and Cityheart Partnerships. Hereford College of Arts (HCA), which has a proven need for good quality student housing to support its growth plans, will be the main customer of the new accommodation.
Paul Lang, chief executive officer at Caledonian Modular, said: “This is the latest multi-million pound project win for us and further strengthens our already strong presence in the student accommodation sector. We are looking forward to working with all the project partners and local stakeholders to deliver this exciting project.”
Councillor David Hitchiner, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The new student accommodation will provide high quality purpose-built facilities, making Herefordshire an even more attractive proposition for young people looking to study here. We are delighted that this will support our local higher education providers and promote Herefordshire as a great place to study and live.
“Station Approach is a key project within the council’s Development and Regeneration Programme (DRP) which will support economic development in the county.”
The modular construction project will be financed by an external provider and operated by a specialist company. The freehold of the site will be retained by the council.
