Student Accommodation Nearing Completion in Elgin, Dornoch & Inverness
Project Summary
Sector: Education, Higher Education, Student Accommodation
Project profile: Design, Build, Finance and Operation of 40 student bedrooms organised between 38 cluster flats and 2 studio beds
Customer: University of the Highlands and Islands, and Moray College
Value: £3 million
Stage: Operational since August 2017
Location: Alba Place, Bishopmill, Elgin, IV30 4JN
Professional Team
Funder: MPI Limited
Tenant: University of the Highlands and Islands, and Moray College
Legal Advisor: Brodies LLP
Architect: 360 Architecture
Contractor: Robertson Construction Limited
Employers Agent: Thomas & Adamson
M&E: RPS
Structural: Curtins
Project Description
The property comprises purpose built student accommodation over two floor levels and provides 40 beds. The room offering to students is split between 38 en-suite cluster flats and 2 studio apartments. This development supports the students at Moray College who provide broad range of subject areas.
Furthermore this project was also the second phase of projects completed for Cityheart’s client the University of the Highlands and Islands which saw the parallel development of accommodation schemes in Dornoch and Inverness. The developments are part of the university’s wider project to build and operate residences around the Highlands and Islands. The first phase saw a 40 bed facility open at West Highland College in Fort William and a 150 bed facility open at Inverness Campus in summer 2016.
Cityheart worked with Aviva Investors to fund this development of a 150 bed scheme, which
upon completion was let to University of the Highlands and Islands on a 35 year FRI Lease.
Construction was completed for this second development in Inverness in August 2017, which was in turn handed over to the Cityheart Living team to manage and maintain the residences and supporting the University of the Highlands and Islands. Cityheart Living is the dedicated student accommodation management arm of the Cityheart group of companies providing which provides accommodation management, marketing and building maintenance.
Client Testimonial:
Speaking about the new development, Fiona Larg, the University’s chief operating officer and secretary, said: “We are excited at the second phase of our residences, students are at the heart of what we do and the provision of suitable accommodation is an important asset in supporting current students and attracting new ones.”
Contractor’s Statement:
The Inverness phase two and Elgin residences were constructed by Robertson Northern.
Frank Reid, managing director of Robertson Northern said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands continues to be a terrific draw for students from across the region and further afield. These new developments will help to meet the need for more, and better, accommodation for these young people.”
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