University of Hull to invest £130m in new student accommodation

The University of Hull has appointed University Partnerships Programme Ltd (UPP) as the preferred bidder for a £130m investment in new student accommodation.

UPP, which provides on-campus student accommodation infrastructure and support services, will raise the investment and handle the design, construction, and operation of the project.

Located on the west side of the University’s campus, the development will offer a range of single rooms and one bedroom apartments to a further 1,450 students. The scheme will comprise nine blocks, within the scale and context of the campus.

A range of accommodation types will be on offer, to meet the needs of all students, and a central plaza and thoroughfare will offer facilities on their doorstep, potentially including a café and supermarket.

The development will be in addition to the £200m investment programme, already underway, which includes new and refurbished buildings, IT infrastructure and student services.

Professor Glenn Burgess, acting vice-chancellor at the University of Hull, said: “This is the latest announcement in a wave of investment across the campus to provide an exceptional environment for staff and students.

“Students increasingly want premium, high-quality accommodation. This development ensures that we are able to meet those needs, as well as increase the number of students who can live on-campus, in high-quality, managed and secure accommodation.”

Stephen Willis, chief finance officer at the University of Hull, added: “The bold transformation well under-way on-campus is a critical element in ensuring an outstanding student experience and a huge statement of confidence in the future of both the University and the city of Hull.

“We’re proud to be investing so significantly in making Hull a highly desirable place to live, work, study, visit and invest.”

In the academic year 2015/16, the University attracted 7,100 new students. Some 61% of the total student population comes from outside the Humber region and 1 in 6 of our students are from outside the UK and from more than 100 different countries.

Sean O’Shea, Group Chief Executive of UPP, also commented: “We’re delighted to be investing in the University of Hull. Our partnership will enable more students to live on-campus at the heart of this fantastic institution.

“This scheme responds to the growing demand from students for high quality, on-campus accommodation, as well as the University of Hull’s commitment to offering the best student experience.

“UPP’s research into the experiences of students shows satisfaction with the non-academic side of university is higher among first year students who live in purpose built student accommodation.”

Subject to planning permission, construction is scheduled to begin in May 2017 with work due to be completed by the end of 2019.

The project is one of several significant investments being undertaken at the University, including The Courtyard, a £30 million development of accommodation for 562 students on the North side of the campus, which is almost complete.

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