Working as Lead Designers in the Equitix/Equans consortium, Willmore Iles put together a comprehensive design and delivery offer during a competitive dialogue procurement to take forward the consented planning scheme, by Glancy Nicholls Architects, who had been appointed by the University up to RIBA Stage 3.
The scheme was expanded as part of a variant offer to include the refurbishment of Pritchatts House, a 1960’s traditional halls of residence designed by John Madin to provide 163 ensuite rooms arranged in cluster flats and the significant internal refurbishment of the existing social Hub, a 1990’s addition to Pritchatts House designed by Associated Architects.
Willmore Iles recognised the significant planning constraints and the difficult process that the University had been through, but as part of an experienced team working alongside Turley planning consultants were able to successfully achieve two further planning applications for the site, and three non material amendments to make changes to aid accessibility and buildability.
Phase 1 of the scheme is due to achieve practical completion in September 2023 ready to receive it’s first students, with the remainder handed over during the academic year, ready for a 2024 intake.
“What struck me about Willmore Iles is how experienced the team was with student accommodation schemes, also the consideration they had towards the University of Birmingham Student. What we were looking for was a unique bid for our type of Student - as every University will have a different type of student that lives there. Willmore Iles was really willing to learn about us as an institution, they were very much in listening mode and I think that they brought some very exciting designs to the table."
Einita Suman - Director of Accommodation and Operations - University of Birmingham
Phase 1 includes six townhouse blocks and the refurbishment of Pritchatts House.
We are delighted with the way the new blocks feel settled in the landscape already, and cannot wait to go back following the intake in September to see how they are enjoying the tranquil surroundings, and making use of the amazing new hub.
Willmore Iles continued their successful relationship with the Landmark Practice (Landscape) and Jasper Sanders + Partners (interiors) to ensure the comprehensive remodelling of the Social Hub and the land around it puts student experience and accessibility at the heart of it’s design and contains a series of brightly lit study, social and amenity spaces, pastoral care, a new laundrette and the main FM reception and offices, which can now all be reached via step free access.
Internal CGI images courtesy of JasperSanders+Partners
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Project Team
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Willmore Iles Architects
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Tim Abram, Andrew Iles
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Structural Engineer
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Curtins Consulting Engineers
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Mechanical + Electrical Engineer
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Capita (Stage 3), Steanes (Stage 4+)
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Interior Design
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Jasper Sanders + Partners
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Planning Consultant
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Turley
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Landscape Architect
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The Landmark Practice
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Contractor
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Equans
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Contract Value
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£60,000,000
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