Chesterfield architect leads on student living
UK student accommodation provider Liberty Living has commissioned Derbyshire-based WCEC Architects’ consultant design and delivery team to critically review amenity and social space provision within its UK operational portfolio.
In addition, the WCEC team (with headquarters in Chesterfield and hubs in Leeds and London) has been instructed to proceed with detailed designs and planning applications for pilot schemes in Newcastle, Southampton, Manchester and Liverpool.
John Kenny, Liberty Living’s chief operating officer, said: “As an established operator of one of the largest portfolios of purpose built student accommodation, we recognise the importance of evolving the provision of dedicated amenity spaces for our residents.
“The spaces we are creating will be multi-functional and allow our residents to enjoy an improved sense of community and social experience, with facilities such as; social lounges, different types of study spaces, media rooms, games areas, gymnasiums and private dining rooms.
“Our investors are fully committed to this work and it is important for us to demonstrate to our University and HEI partners and customers that we understand their needs and aspirations for modern student living,” he added.
Nick Riley, Board Director at WCEC Architects, said: “We have been on a collaborative journey with Liberty Living for some time to understand where the marketplace is now, including facilities found on campus at universities, and in considering the future needs of residents also.
“This particular initiative presents several interesting challenges for us as every asset Liberty Living owns is very different, and with different residents’ needs.
“In some instances, we are re-using and extending existing spaces, but often the appropriate space doesn’t even exist. This is where we are designing new-build facilities which will become the new central focus of these large sites. Our intention is for these buildings to be modern pavilions, with lots of visibility and exceptional interiors, to make them a clear destination for residents to want to use,” Nick added.
The project will take 2-3 years to complete. At present approximately half of the portfolio is being assessed, with works on site for the first five projects likely to start in 2017.
