GRAHAM has reached financial close on a £130m contract to deliver a major 1,480-bed student accommodation project for the University of York. GRAHAM is also an investor as part of a consortium with Equitix – a fund manager of core infrastructure assets.
The scheme forms a key part of the University’s ambitious ‘Campus Masterplan’ – a framework for how it will develop its ‘campus of the future’.
An intensive consultation and engagement process, involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders, ensured that the “exciting and sustainable” designs were given the green light by the University and planners.
Construction for the project, which has been designed by architects Sheppard Robson, will be completed for the 2022 academic year.
The design embraces Modern Methods of Construction bringing enhanced quality and delivery confidence. Elements include pre-fabricated sandwich panels, integrating external brick finish, insultation, windows, first fix services and finished internal walls.
The scheme will act as a stimulus for the University of York’s student recruitment strategy while meeting the accommodation demands of an expanding global student body.
The new facilities will offer students an exceptional level of quality accommodation that will undoubtedly help the University and the City of York continue to reduce reliance on city centre accommodation and housing. The designs are exciting, sustainable and will help transform the student experience at the University.
Neil McFarlane, GRAHAM Strategic Projects Director: “This is an exciting step forward for the University of York’s ambitious plans to deliver a new kind of campus for its academic community. We have considerable experience of working in the higher education sector and we will draw on this knowledge to deliver high-quality accommodation for the student body.
“We’re proud to be associated with such a talented project team who are as excited as we are to get started and bring the university’s vision to life.”