£20 million scheme underway to boost student accommodation

An artist's impression of how the new apartment blocks at Hiatt Baker Hall will look from inside the courtyard AWW Architects

Paul Tuplin, Commercial Director for VINCI Construction UK, and Professor Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, sign the contract for building work at Hiatt Baker AWW Architects

Press release issued: 18 February 2013

A £20.7 million building scheme is underway to transform accommodation at the University of Bristol’s halls of residence in Stoke Bishop. New self-catering townhouses and apartment blocks will create an additional 327 bedrooms as part of Hiatt Baker Hall, plus a new transport hub and improved facilities.

New self-catering townhouses and apartment blocks will create an additional 327 bedrooms as part of Hiatt Baker Hall, plus a new transport hub and improved facilities.

The new transport hub, to replace the existing bus stop on Saville Road, is due for completion in September 2013 and will cater for students living in all six halls of residence at Stoke Bishop. The whole project will be completed by the end of May 2014, ready for new students to move in for the start of the 2014/15 term.

The works are part of a wider commitment from the University to refurbish existing accommodation and improve the student experience, as well as to support additional undergraduates following Bristol's success in attracting a managed number of additional students.

Other aspects of the development at Hiatt Baker Hall include a new road and access from Parry’s Lane to the transport hub, a designated taxi drop-off area, a central square and additional landscaping.

The main reception building will be refurbished to improve and extend facilities including administration, security, the student bar and cafes. The existing library will also be refurbished to provide improved social facilities for the students.

Several of the cluster blocks, containing flats, will be provided with rooms adapted for disabled people and will also include rooms for senior residents who will provide the pastoral care for the residents. The new buildings are designed to achieve high standards of sustainability and accessibility.

Patrick Finch, Bursar at the University of Bristol, said: “We understand that providing high quality accommodation is key to enhancing the experience for students who choose to study at the University of Bristol. We pride ourselves on the range of accommodation on offer and these new bedrooms will add further choice. We are also committed to reaching the highest environmental standards, with 20 per cent of electricity for the new halls being generated from renewable sources.

“The University has a successful partnership with VINCI Construction UK that has been built over a number of years. We look forward to working together to complete this new development, while being mindful of the need to minimise impact on both our existing students and on our residential neighbours.”

A public art strategy has also been developed as part of the building scheme to ensure the development of public art on the campus.