The University of Essex scoops prize at accommodation awards

The University of Essex has received an award for the work it does with partners to deliver new student accommodation on its Colchester Campus.

The University, along with partners Uliving and Equitix, picked up the Collaboration Award for a decade of successful partnership at the National Student Accommodation Awards ceremony in London.

The awards, organised by Property Week, bring together those involved in Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) and recognise brilliance in this area.

Chris Oldham, Director of Estates and Campus Services at the University of Essex, said he was delighted to win the accolade.

“We are honoured to receive this award, which recognises the hard work and dedication of our team, and of our partners,” he said. “It also shows how committed we are to providing our students with high-quality accommodation which meets all of their needs.”

The University has worked with Uliving and Equitix on all three phases of its accommodation expansion project. The first phase, The Meadows, opened in the academic year 2013-14, with The Copse following in 2018-19. The third phase, The Pastures, will complement the existing portfolio of student accommodation, providing more than 1,200 new bedrooms, and is due for completion for the academic year 2023-24.

Judges praised the partnership, describing it as an “excellent example of a more mature partnership that continues to provide quality accommodation for students.”

It was highlighted how the partnership had managed to successfully fund this third phase of plans during a Covid year. All parties, including Building and Facilities Management contractors, were invited to openly discuss and solve problems posed by the pandemic.

Chris said they are all now looking forward to completing the construction of the third phase.

“With two phases already delivered, we are delighted to further grow our partnership on a third student accommodation project, which will be crucial in meeting the increased demand we are seeing from the growth in student numbers.

“The Pastures will be a fabulous home to our students, with a range of accommodation types to meet a range of needs.”