Student Accommodation: from derelict to desirable

INSIGHTS

13th July 2022

When a site comprising two derelict buildings was selected by Maven Capital Partners for development into student accommodation, Venture Projects, Workman’s specialist project management team, was brought on board as Project Management lead.

The project, to create 120 bedspaces across a mix of high-end studios and apartments, incorporating internal and external recreational spaces for residents at Murieston Crescent, Edinburgh, began in March 2021.

Sandwiched between a railway line, a main arterial road into Edinburgh and an adjoining apartment building, which was occupied for the duration of the project, this would be a tough project. Throw in a mains sewer pipe that needed to be diverted, and the challenge was on.

With the completion date agreed as 30 June 2022, there was no margin for error, so the team got to work in three phases: demolition and ground clearance, which was followed by the mains sewer diversion, before the final new build construction could begin.

The derelict site before works began:

High quality student accommodation steered to completion on time and within budget

Having started the main works in March 2021, the Venture Projects team, led by David McLay, Partner, steered the project through all the neighbouring site challenges, months of Covid uncertainty and materials supply shortages to deliver practical completion on the 30 June deadline as planned, and within budget. This also required close collaboration with the wider team including 56three, KJ Tait Engineers, Woolgar Hunter Engineers, Gleeds and Bowmer and Kirkland Ltd.

Click here for the time lapse video showing the development of the site.

Located in the heart of the Gorgie district, the brownfield site has now been transformed back into the fabric of the surrounding streetscape. Full occupancy of this student residence for Maven Capital Partners has already been achieved for the new academic year. The project provides 120 bedspaces across a mix of high-end studios and apartments, incorporating internal and external recreational spaces for the residents.