£29m student scheme completes
Partners Group and Host Student Housing have completed the construction of a £29m, 206-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) building in Bournemouth.
Partners Group formed a UK student accommodation and co-living venture with Host in 2022, with the express aim of delivering high quality, sustainable, amenity-rich and professionally managed residences.
Located close to the Bournemouth University campus, and a short walk from the beach, 17a Christchurch Road spans six storeys and provides ensuite cluster flats and studios – many of which benefit from sea views. Amenities include social lounges, two roof terraces, a substantial courtyard, and a fully equipped gym.
Designed by architects Stride Treglown to be low carbon in use, the building features photovoltaic solar panels and air source heat pumps, helping it to achieve a BREEAM sustainability rating of Very Good and an EPC A.
The building was fully leased prior to opening on 9 September for the 2023/24 academic year, delivering much needed bed spaces to one of the UK’s rapidly growing student cities.
Construction of the new building commenced in February 2022, and was delivered by main contractor Shore Construction, with Host’s sister company Tiger Developments as development manager.
Peter Holden, managing director, global co-head private real estate asset management, Partners Group, said: “We are very pleased to support the development of new student housing in Bournemouth, bringing more beds to a city that has been struggling with undersupply. As a team, we have delivered a new energy efficient building in the heart of the city, which will meet student accommodation needs for many years to come. This new addition to our JV with Host fits with our focus on high quality targets with strong ESG credentials.”
John Nesbitt, managing director at Host Student Housing, said: “Completed on time and on budget by Tiger Developments, this is a very timely development for Bournemouth and the increasing number of students who choose to study in the city. Our first intake of students will find themselves in a fantastic environment in which to start the next stage of their lives, living away from home.
There is a chronic need for more professionally managed PBSA in several other cities in the UK, Host is committed to playing its part in meeting this demand.”
James Hobden, managing director at Shore Construction, said: “It’s been a fantastic team effort working with Tiger Developments and Host to complete on time and on budget. From a rapid start in February 2022, we are delighted to be able to hand the site over to Host to welcome the new students in time for the new academic year.
“The project shows the very best of Shore Construction with on-time and on-budget completion, working proactivity to solve project challenges and great engagement with the local community to deliver our social value commitments.”