University of Exeter appoints partner UPP to develop plans to build over 1700 new, low carbon student bedrooms on Streatham Campus

This month, the University of Exeter has taken an important step forward in the delivery of new, modern, low carbon student accommodation on the west of their Streatham Campus in Exeter, by appointing University Partnerships Programme (UPP) as the preferred contractor to progress plans to the next stage.

The proposed new development extends the University’s long-term partnership with UPP to create more on-campus accommodation, providing students with the best possible living experience and reducing the pressure on the University seeking third party accommodation providers in Exeter city.

UPP have recently completed the East Park, Moberly and Spreytonway residences on Streatham Campus, creating an additional 1500 bedrooms for students, and the new development planned for the Clydesdale area of campus sets to more than double that number.

Following a robust bidding process, UPP have demonstrated that they can meet the University’s brief to put student experience, sustainability, carbon reduction and biodiversity at the heart of this new development. Supporting the University’s Strategy 2030 to lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and contributing to the institution’s drive to be carbon Net Zero by 2030.

As the appointed contractor, UPP will now refine the designs and plans for the new development, complete planning requirements and finalise the funding of the scheme.

Following final University of Exeter approval, construction on site is proposed to start in summer 2023, with the first accommodation blocks becoming available from 2025 (dates are subject to change).

Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar and Secretary at the University of Exeter, said: “We are delighted to extend our on-going partnership with UPP. Our proposed plan to develop more purpose-built, self-catered student bedrooms on campus will allow us to offer more students an excellent living experience.

“The project supports our ambitious aims to achieve carbon neutrality and, working with UPP to progress the plans, we are aiming to reduce our impact on the environment and ecology in the area, whilst using sustainable materials and construction practices to achieve strenuous Passivhaus standards. This approach to development is crucial in our drive to reduce our carbon footprint and to lead the way for university accommodation across the country.

“Feedback from students living in UPP’s East Park residences, which completed in 2021, has been incredibly positive and we look forward to working in partnership with UPP on how these new residences on the west of Streatham Campus will take shape.”Elaine Hewitt, Chief Executive of UPP, said: “We are delighted to be chosen to deliver the next phase of the University’s campus development plan. The University of Exeter is a world-class institution and a valued partner. This project is a great example of collaboration and innovation in action with the design and delivery of a truly leading edge, large scale Passivhaus scheme at Clydesdale and Birks, as well as retrofit of existing accommodation to EnerPHit standards. We look forward to working with the University to realise this scheme and provide its student residents with a fantastic, sustainable living and learning experience.”

In order to create the 1700 new bedrooms, the proposal is to demolish buildings in the Clydesdale Nash and Birks Village area to make way for the new, modern residences, as well as refurbishing catered rooms in the Birks Grange Village to self-catered.

The University’s Estate Services Centre will also be relocated, as part of this development, from the west of campus to the northeast, at the top of Rennes Drive.

The new development was granted Outline planning approval by Exeter City Council in September 2021, following a public consultation on the proposals in February 2020.

More information on the timescales and up to date visuals can be found here: www.exeter.ac.uk/clydesdale-birks