Aberystwyth takes its pick

04 January 2012

Pick Everard has won a major scheme in Wales, having recently celebrated the opening of its new office in Cardiff. The firm is appointed as Technical Adviser on the procurement of the Penglais Farm New Student Residences Project at Aberystwyth University, a new 1000-bed hall of residence valued at £40m.

The University is seeking a private sector project partner to design, build, finance and operate the development and is currently at competitive dialogue stage with three shortlisted contractors - Sir Robert McAlpine, Miller Construction and Balfour Beatty Student Accommodation.

Appointed under the Government Procurement Service Management and Full Design Team Services Framework Agreement, Pick Everard’s role is providing technical advice about overall build quality and advising on the merits, suitability and costs of different construction methods and programmes being put forward. Whole life costing of the building will be critical to ensure that best value can be achieved.

Subject to planning approval, the new halls of residence will be located on Penglais Farm, on land adjacent to the existing award-winning Pentre Jane Morgan student village. Building work is planned to begin in late 2012 with the first students expected to take up residence in September 2014.

Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University said, “Aberystwyth offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. This project represents the biggest single element of the University’s strategic plan and underlines its commitment to improving the quality of the accommodation it has to offer to students with an emphasis on self-catering and en-suite facilities. As the process unfolds, as well as working closely with the local community and planners, the University will be engaging with student representatives to ensure the new halls provide the living experience, in terms of social and technological facilities, that future generations of Aberystwyth students will expect.”

Pick Everard Cardiff-based project lead Stuart Brisbane comments, “Penglais Farm will give future students a new and very high standard of accommodation alongside a new central ‘hub’ with an internet cafe, central laundry and retail spaces.“