Independent inspectors score construction of new student development as ‘exceptional’
Hemel Hempstead, 16 November 2016 - Independent inspectors have praised work at a new student accommodation scheme in Newcastle, ranking it as ‘exceptional’ for its appearance, environmental measures and its approach to its workforce. 410 student flats in four, five and seven storey buildings in the centre of the city at Stoddart Street are being built by major contractors BAM Construction, who have offices in Gateshead.
The quality and considerateness of how BAM are building was inspected by the Considerate Constructors Scheme, which carries out 10,000 visits across the UK every year. Monitor Paul Robson said of the works: ‘’ Contact with neighbours has been well maintained through the letter drops and the planned erection of the community board with a suggestion box should improve this further. The quality and consistency of the hoarding and the views into this very busy site do give out a very positive message. Materials have been concealed on the roof structure leaving the ground surface reasonably clear. Waste skips are tidy and covers are used overnight. Electrically powered lifting equipment and constant monitoring of energy demonstrate an environmental commitment. This is reinforced through the energy efficient design of the building. Safety communication has been well established; responsibilities are well defined. Training and safety awareness have been given a high priority. Ongoing training and health checks for all will be greatly appreciated. I congratulate project manager Nathan Lynn and his team for the standards they are achieving.’
The new scheme is close to residential and existing student accommodation flats. It has necessitated demolition, piling and constructing a steel frame. Superstructure is now complete and work is proceeding on external cladding, ground works and internal partitions.
BAM project manager Nathan Lynn said: ‘It is particularly pleasing that when you try to build considerately, others recognise your efforts. We have many neighbours here and we have to work responsibly and create an efficient building for the many future students who will live and work here.’
BAM has given waste timber to a charity wood recycling company, re-used all the demolition material, protected an area of trees and added bird boxes, a feeder table, a hedgehog house and a bug hotel!
The development is a joint venture between BAM Properties and Connislow who secured forward funding from the Curlew Student Trust a vehicle created by Curlew Capital and CBRE, to invest in prime purpose-built student accommodation.
Dougie Peters, Managing Director of BAM Properties, said: ‘It is our second student accommodation project. We can draw on the development, design, construction and FM expertise in BAM and the specialist sector expertise of Connislow to create schemes that are attractive to students. BAM is a leader in sustainable digital development and construction which means what we develop will stand the test of time, will be highly efficient to manage and operate and deliver great returns to investors. The accommodation will be completed in the summer of 2017 in time for the 2017/18 academic year.’
Further information: Mark Slattery, Press and Media Manager, BAM Construct UK Ltd, 01442 238415.