Willmott Dixon has been appointed construction delivery partner for Staffordshire University’s new student village which is being built on its main Stoke-on-Trent campus.
The contractor has been appointed by Staffordshire Campus Living – a consortium formed by Hochtief PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, Willmott Dixon, Plenary, Pinnacle Group and Staffordshire University – to provide an improved student residential offering at the campus.
Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, FIRA and Ramboll, the new student village will provide 700 new student rooms in a mix of cluster blocks and townhouses.
The project includes the refurbishment of the Clarice Cliff Court accommodation in addition to the demolition of the existing student accommodation on the university’s Leek Road site following the completion of the student village to make way for accessible parkland, which will result in a project biodiversity net gain of 12%.
Dan Doyle, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This new student village at Staffordshire University is a significant investment in the student experience. What’s exciting is how it has been designed to blend contemporary sustainable architecture with nature in a unique natural setting.
“We will be incorporating modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to ensure it is a low-carbon development. Combine this with renewable energy sources, building to Passivhaus design principles and structures that are directly inspired by the setting, the university will have a development with a strong character and identity – fostering a sense of place and community. Offering a safe, secure, and inclusive environment, students can expect a true home from home.”
Professor Martin Jones, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Staffordshire University, added: “Providing an excellent student experience is a strategic priority and the student village is designed to respond to what students say they want. With the full backing of our board of governors, we are delighted to move closer towards making a start on this project which, alongside our academic course offering and exceptional support services, will help to make us stand out in the market.”
Ian Prescott, managing director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have been selected for this prestigious project and look forward to working with the university and consortium partners to realise the vision for the new student village.”
The development received planning permission in March and Willmott Dixon is due to start on site imminently. Completion is expected in 2026.
