Work has started on the second phase of a £38 million project to provide new student accommodation at the University of Stirling.
GRAHAM Construction has been awarded the contract worth approximately £12 million to replace the one of the original halls of residence – Murray Hall – with a new building to be called Beech Court. This element of the project will provide accommodation for around 290 students.
Demolition work has just started on site and Beech Court is expected to completed by September 2014.
It will provide students with well-designed study bedrooms, spacious kitchens with dining space, increased social space and better connections to the stunning landscape areas around the University.
All of the rooms have private shower rooms and 13 of the bedrooms will be fully accessible for disabled students.
The first phase of Stirling’s ambitious multimillion pound residences project has also been delivered by GRAHAM Construction and will be ready for occupation this September.
Gary Holmes, regional director for GRAHAM Construction, said: “The University of Stirling is undertaking one of the most ambitious student accommodation projects in the UK and we have tremendously enjoyed working alongside the University to deliver their vision.
“The first residences are nearing completion and students will be welcomed into these new residences from the start of the new term.
“GRAHAM is proud to have worked on this project and to have provided the opportunities for young people to take their first steps in the construction industry as a result of the apprenticeship scheme we are delivering.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership with the University of Stirling into the future.”
GRAHAM has extensive experience in delivering new student accommodation and is already working on a number of other projects at universities across Scotland and the UK.
Karen Plouviez, Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University, said: “Murray Hall opened in 1971 and has been home for many thousands of students in the intervening years.
“On the one hand, its demolition signals the end of an era – and I’m sure many of our alumni will be sad to see it disappear. But, on the other hand, it signals the start of a new chapter in our history and there is a great sense of excitement at the University as the first phase of the project nears completion.
“The new accommodation being developed includes state of the art en-suite rooms arranged into flats for between five and 10 students, townhouses for nine students and flats for students with families.
“The design phase for the accommodation included a number of consultation events with students so the new accommodation reflects many of the features they cited as important – for instance, good natural light, plenty of storage, and modern and well-equipped social space.”
She added: “Stirling has an excellent reputation for student experience and the University’s decision to make this step change in accommodation quality is a testament to its commitment to ensuring that the best of facilities are provided.”
The University is committed to the highest standards of sustainable design and low energy use, and aims to achieve a BREEAM excellent environmental performance rating.
The overall student residences project will be completed by 2015 and will replace 40 per cent of the University’s residential accommodation, providing a total of 788 contemporary bedrooms over four locations. The three-year project is costing in the region of £38 million and is being funded by the University.
Whilst the priority is student use, the accommodation will also house conferences and events during the summer. By delivering the project in phases, overall bed numbers at the University will remain consistent throughout the duration.
Murray Hall is demolished at the University of Stirling - as part of a £38 million project to provide new accommodation for students.