The University of Chichester has confirmed Uliving in consortium with Equitix, with Bouygues UK as lead contractor, as the preferred bidder to deliver and enhance the student accommodation facilities across their two campuses.
The University’s primary objective is to create new accommodation and refurbish the existing accommodation to meet demand but also provide an affordable, high-quality student and living experience.
Uliving working in consortium with Equitix, proposes to deliver a total of 1,032 units across the two campuses in Bognor Regis and Chichester. This will include a stock transfer of, and extensive refurbishment to, the existing 507 beds across the two campuses; delivery of the enhanced consented 176-bed new build scheme at Bognor Regis and delivery of 349 new beds at the Bishop Otter campus in Chichester.
Professor Jane Longmore, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chichester said: "We are delighted to be working with Uliving and Equitix. Both companies listened and responded carefully to our brief to deliver high-quality student accommodation for both our campuses. This will include an extensive building programme, as well as refurbishment of many of our existing bedrooms. The building designs, sustainability plans and attention to social spaces impressed both University and Student Union colleagues alike. Within the Chichester region, this new accommodation will help us meet increased demand as our student numbers grow and provide an affordable student living experience, as they move away from home for their new lives at university."
Oliver Campbell, CEO of Uliving commented: "We are thrilled to have reached this stage and are looking forward to progressing our plans with Equitix to deliver high-quality, affordable living spaces?which meet the needs of the University of Chichester and its students. We will work collaboratively with our sister companies Bouygues UK and Bouygues Energies & Services to deliver sustainable buildings that provide the highest level of facilities management services."
Hugh Crossley, Chief Executive for Equitix added: "We are delighted to be named as Preferred Bidder on this exciting project with one of the UK’s fastest-growing institutions. As the UK’s leading investor and developer in social infrastructure, Equitix are well placed to successfully deliver an enhanced student living experience with our valued partners."
The consortium proposes to refurbish, develop and enhance the twin sites to be delivered in stages with Practical Completion by September 2027. The delivery of this project will tie in with the University of Chichester’s long-term sustainable investment strategy.
