Uliving’s project at Essex had a very challenging timescale, with less than a year to hand the accommodation over to the University. The key to achieving this was the successful collaboration of different partners and the commitment and expertise of everyone involved. The project was delivered on time, completing in September 2013.

The buildings were designed in accordance with the University’s Master Plan and the Borough Council’s Urban Design Framework.  In developing our proposals we were able to demonstrate that the massing of the buildings complemented both the existing built environment and that envisaged within the master plan.

As a result of this proactive approach, the scheme achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EPC ‘A’ ratings, as well as Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Uliving has maintained a positive approach to sustainability whilst managing the scheme, implementing a number of measures, including; minimising the volume of waste created through careful management of site activities; maximising the volumes of residual waste that could be recycled; using recycled and recyclable (non-timber) shuttering; incorporating energy-efficient fittings in welfare accommodation and using a skip-washing unit incorporating a water recycling system.

The University of Hertfordshire has more than 27,700 students of which 3,600 are international students from over 85 different countries.

The University also has a global alumni network of over 165,000. In 2011, Hertfordshire was ranked 10th for the quality of research and 8th for quality of teaching. Created in 1952, it rapidly became a centre of excellence in mechanical and aeronautical engineering.

Funding was provided through an index linked unwrapped private bond placement with a maturity of c. 41 years. This innovative project bond financing was the first of its kind to be implemented in Europe and gave Uliving access to particularly long term financing provided by institutional investors as an alternative to traditional shorter term banking solutions.

By achieving a ‘True’ Zero Carbon accreditation and meeting BREEAM Outstanding standards on this scheme, a first in this sector, Uliving positioned itself as a market leader in sustainability. 

The village, located a mile away from the Francis Close campus, is a flagship development that provides first year, international and postgraduate students with a safe, well managed and high quality living environment.

As well as development of student accommodation,  a refectory, bar, gym, study space and offices for over 100 members of University of Gloucestershire staff are integrated into this state of the art development.

The scheme was designed to BREEAM Excellent standard. BREEAM sets the standard for best practice in sustainable building design, construction and operation and has become one of the most comprehensive and widely recognised measures of a building's environmental performance

The build and refurbishment is integral to the University of Gloucestershire’s strategic commitment to be “centred on students”.

The university has more than 10,000 students of which nearly 10% are international from more than 44 different countries. The university also has a global alumni network of more than 40,000. Created over 150 years ago, it rapidly became a centre of excellence in sustainability and art.

Uliving and Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, one of the largest owners of student housing in the US and Europe, have signed a partnership agreement to invest in purpose-built student accommodation properties in the UK. Bath Court is their first project.

UBS Asset Management is providing senior debt funding through its real estate debt fund, the UBS Participating Real Estate Mortgage Fund (UBS-PREMF), while Harrison Street is the majority equity investor. Uliving is also providing equity and is the developer and operator. Bouygues UK will provide construction services.

The site is very well located, with Birmingham City Centre and all of Birmingham’s higher education institutions within easy reach. The prominent corner location acts as a 'gateway' into the city centre.

The prominent 100m street frontage wraps itself around two sides of the site and the lower level is to be anchored by a new retail unit, gym, communal social space and silent study areas. The upper levels provide apartment accommodation for 435 students. To the rear, a large landscaped raised terrace provides external space for the students and a central light well allows natural light deep into the building.

The Copse is being funded through an innovative index-linked wrapped bond placement. Equity partners together with Uliving are Equitix and Centro Place Investment; the credit enhancer is Assured Guaranty; the bond purchaser is Pension Insurance Corporation; and the bond arranger is TradeRisks.

The scheme comprises the design and construction of two seven-storey buildings to provide 623 en-suite student residences, 20 studio rooms, 64 kitchens/lounges, a launderette, and associated FM facilities.

Construction is undertaken by Bouygues UK and once complete, the facility will be operated by Derwent Living. Work on the project is set to finish in September 2018.