University of York

08-01-2022

Civitas Living LLP announced the early completion, in January 2022, of three accommodation blocks at the Heslington East Campus student accommodation development at the University of York, eight months ahead of schedule.

Phase 1, comprising 348 rooms, was successfully handed over, on programme, in September 2021 and Phase 2 remains on target for completion September 2022.

To facilitate increasing demand for student accommodation in York, the University issued a Variation to Civitas in October 2021, seeking acceleration/early completion of an additional 232 en-suite rooms from Phase 2 of the development, in time for the start of Spring Term 2022.

EMS successfully managed the Variation on behalf of the University and Civitas. There were a number of challenging legal, financial and insurance issues to overcome with the Lenders and the University to ensure the Variation posed no risk to Civitas and the project overall.

The Building Contractor (GRAHAM Construction), despite the risks from COVID to supply chain resource and material availability, achieved Practical Completion on 7January 2022, with students occupying from the 8 January, in time for the start of the Spring Term. The FM Contractor (Derwent) successfully mobilised and recruited additional staff at short notice to be able to commence hard and soft FM services for the additional rooms.

The Variation demonstrated successful collaboration between all stakeholders and the University are delighted with the outcome.

The three blocks form part of the £130m flagship scheme of the University to provide c1400 en-suite study bedrooms and 200 kitchen / living rooms across 18 blocks, together with two social Hubs at the Heslington East Campus. The scheme is part of the University’s “Campus for the Future” plan to provide high quality, energy efficient, on-campus residences which respect the surrounding landscape and which will support students and the University moving forward.