17A Christchurch Road, Bournemouth

OVERVIEW

This purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Bournemouth delivers 206 bedrooms across a 7-storey, tiered design, offering both studio and cluster layouts for groups of 4 to 10 students. Communal facilities include a residents’ lounge, gym, cycle storage, office space and landscaped outdoor areas. Designed by Stride Treglown, the scheme meets modern living standards for the growing student population, with a focus on both comfort and sustainability.

SCOPE OF WORK

The project encompassed demolition of the existing structure, basement construction, reinforced concrete frame and installation of prefabricated bathroom pods. Fit-out works covered all bedrooms, common areas and amenities. Shore Construction also managed external works, including cycle parking and landscaped spaces and coordinated the procurement and delivery of key materials to ensure programme certainty.

SOCIAL VALUE / SUSTAINABILITY

The building was designed by architects Stride Treglown to be low carbon in use. The building features photovoltaic solar panels and air source heat pumps delivering a BREEAM sustainability rating of Very Good and an EPC A.

Local Supply Chain

The project was delivered with a comprehensive social values programme with a focus on employing local contractors and workers to maximise the direct benefits to the local economy. In addition, we hosted ‘Introduction to Construction’ courses offering valuable health and safety training to new construction workers, and providing free CSCS cards.

Managing Our Footprint

Modular construction methods were used for bathroom pods, reducing deliveries to site in a busy city centre location and reducing the carbon footprint of the build.

CHALLENGES

In February 2022, the contractor lined up to complete the scheme entered administration. We were asked to step in and undertake the demolition under a LOI, and then enter into JCH 206 D&B Contract to undertake the project, with delivery date for occupancy in September 2023.

Our contracting division rapidly mobilised the project team, leveraging the supply chain across our Group companies to achieve cost certainty and deliver the scheme on time, with small client amendments to the original budget of £15M. The product launched with 100% room occupancy in September 2023.

SOLUTIONS / BENEFITS

Shore Construction quickly mobilised an experienced delivery team, drawing on group-wide supply chain relationships to stabilise the programme. Entering into a JCT 2016 Design & Build contract, the team provided a 10% cash bond for client assurance and secured early procurement of key materials to lock in costs.

An off-site marketing suite allowed advanced student bookings, resulting in 100% occupancy at launch. The project was completed on schedule, within budget, and received excellent feedback from both the client and community, cementing strong working relationships and leading to a follow-on project award.

ON-TIME DELIVERY

Rapid mobilisation and challenges relating to third party wall overcome ensuring on-time practical completion ready for full occupation for the new student year.

ON-BUDGET PROJECT COMPLETION

Early engagement with the client, local authority and project consultants ensured on-budget programme delivery combined with robust procurement process.

OUTSTANDING FEEDBACK

Project completion supported by outstanding client and community feedback. 2nd project award reinforce the strong relationships built.

"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.”

- John Nesbitt, Managing Director (MD), Host Student Housing Ltd