£42m PBSA Project in Norwich Won by McAleer & Rushe

Northern Irish building contractor McAleer & Rushe is set to start works on a brand-new £42m student accommodation project in Norwich.

The project will see the transformation of a 1970s office, St. Crispin's house, into a 684-bed student residence.

Previously used as an overflow building for Her Majesty's Stationery Office, the derelict building was sold off in the late 90s and split into separate offices. Since the offices were abandoned, the gardens within the atrium have become overgrown and documented by photographer Morgan O'Donovan.

As part of the refurbishment, St Crispin's House is set to be extended, with additional floors being added alongside a five-storey extension. In addition, the plans feature 9,500 square feet of communal space to contain a new gym and study spaces for its residents. An external courtyard will feature storage spaces for bicycles as well as charging points for electric vehicles.

Director of contracts for McAleer & Rushe Mark Elliott said: "In delivering a facility tailored to the evolving needs and expectations of the city's students, we will also be sensitively restoring and conserving a derelict building in a sustainable way for future generations. By retaining the existing building structure with a large section of the roof level designed as a green roof, this major new development will be a visually impressive and exciting new addition to the city's vibrant community mix."

The large renovation project is expected to be completed by Summer 2023, and marks the fifth contract the builders have collaborated with clients Global Student Accommodation on.

Once open, the residence will be operated by student accommodation specialists Yugo.