Monday 31 July 2017
Work on the latest phase of University of the Highlands and Islands’ student accommodation is nearing completion, with new residences due to open in Elgin, Dornoch and Inverness next month (August).
The university has been working with specialist developer, Cityheart, on the £16.3m project to build accommodation close to Moray College UHI, North Highland College UHI and Inverness College UHI campuses.
The Elgin facility on Alba Road and the Dornoch facility on Shore Road will each provide accommodation for 40 students. The Inverness development, situated next to existing residences on Inverness Campus, will provide space for a further 150 students. Residents will stay in en-suite rooms with private or shared cooking facilities and will have access to Wi-Fi, cycle storage, laundry services and a support service.
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 UHI in Fort William and a 150-bed facility open at Inverness Campus in summer 2016.
Speaking about the new development, Fiona Larg, the university’s chief operating officer and secretary, said: “We are excited that the second phase of our residences project is nearing completion. 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.”
Specialist developer, Cityheart, is responsible for overseeing the construction and operation of the new residences. Patrick Hughes, group development director for Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to see our phase II developments for the University of the Highlands and Islands progressing so well. Student residents will benefit from the highest quality, fit for purpose student accommodation available at each location. We also look forward to working further with the university on phase III of its development plans.”
The Inverness and Elgin residences are being constructed by Robertson Northern, while O’Brien Construction Ltd is building the Dornoch facility.
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.”
Lynda Mackay, managing director of O’Brien Construction Ltd, said: “We have been delighted to be involved with Cityheart and the University of the Highlands and Islands in the provision of such a quality accommodation project at Dornoch. It will prove a tremendous asset for future students.”
ENDS.
