The start of the ambitious two-year construction project has been marked with an official groundbreaking ceremony attended by University leaders, project partners and students.
Due for completion in 2026, the new Student Village on the University’s Leek Road site will blend contemporary and sustainable architecture with its location close to the University’s nature reserve and the River Trent.
Around 700 new student rooms will be built in cluster blocks and town houses alongside a village ‘hub’ facility. The hub will provide new social and study areas and events and wellbeing spaces, plus a roof-top terrace. An additional 300 rooms are also being refurbished as part of the project in the University’s existing Clarice Cliff Court accommodation.
The project is also set to positively impact the wider region and local communities through a programme of initiatives including local employment and work experience opportunities, school and college engagement and community volunteering.
Major Levison Wood, Chancellor at Staffordshire University, said: “The groundbreaking of our new Student Village is a milestone that represents our commitment to creating a vibrant and supportive community for our students. The project is not just about providing accommodation, it’s about fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.”
Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at Staffordshire University, said: “We are delighted to be moving forward with this transformative project which is all about the student experience. We hope that current and prospective students will join us on this exciting journey as the Student Village begins to take shape. As a University, we will also be working with the project partners to demonstrate our commitment to our city region by creating new opportunities for local people.”
Recent BSc PE and Youth Sport Coaching Graduate Danny Rogers said, “Staffordshire University is like one big family and genuinely feels like a second home to me. The plans for the new Student Village look amazing and can only add to what is already a fantastic student experience.”
The project is a collaboration between the University and Staffordshire Campus Living: a partnership created by Hochtief PPP Solutions UK and Ireland and Plenary, supported by Pinnacle Group, Wilmott Dixon Construction, and Corstorphine and Wright.
Speaking at the groundbreaking, Ian Prescott, Managing Director of Hochtief PPP (UK and Ireland) said: “I believe this project is a great example of how working together in a collaborative and open way we can achieve significant, positive and lasting outcomes for the students. Together we look forward to delivering a first-class student village that will look amazing, operate efficiently and be full of healthy, happy and hard-working students for decades to come!”
Construction of the Student Village will take place over the next two years with phase one of the Clarice Cliff Court accommodation refurbishment expected to be completed by September 2024. The steel frame superstructure for the new student village is set to be in place by Christmas.