General FAQs
There is demand from first year students for self-catered, modern bedrooms on campus.
The University is seeking to increase student accommodation on Streatham Campus by building new and refurbished, student living facilities that provide an excellent on-campus living experience and reduces pressure on the University seeking third party accommodation providers in the city.
We are planning to refurbish Block A to E of Birks Grange Village to create en-suite, self-catered rooms for students.
It is not possible to refurbish all of the existing buildings to create higher density, modern, accommodation on campus.
We currently have demand from first year students for modern, en-suite, on-campus accommodation.
Many students in their second and third years use city centre accommodation, commonly referred to as Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA).
Following final University Council approval, we expect to start construction on site in summer 2024.
Work on phase one of the project, in the Clydesdale area on campus, is expected to complete over three years. Phase two of the project, in the Birks are, is expected to complete over two years.
The West Park project is being constructed in phases. The accommodation block planned for location on the grounds compound currently in phase 3. We are considering the financial viability of phase 3 of the development and we are currently unable to confirm timings of this phase.
The relocation of the Grounds Compound to the top of Rennes Drive is currently under review. We will share details when we have a future plan and programme for these sites.
Following final University Council approval, we expect to start construction on site in summer 2024.
As part of the West Park plans, we are creating a new footpath on Streatham Drive to improve safety in the area.We will provide an update on timescales for these improvements soon.
As with all University estate projects, mitigation measures are put in place to minimise dust and noise from a construction site where possible. This may include installing hoarding around the site, damping down areas to reduce dust and planning noisy works appropriately.
We work with contractors that are part of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, to ensure they have high standards in managing risks, protecting the environment and positive relationships with the local community.
Once construction starts on site we will post regular updates on expected activity and disruption in the area on the project webpage.
The access routes and drop off locations into Birks Grange Village and the Clydesdale areawill remain as they are now.
During the construction phase of the project, a transport management plan will be in place that will outline the movement of vehicles and deliveries in the area. This plan will be reviewed under Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS), which is a national Standard that requires all stakeholders in construction to take responsibility for health & safety beyond the hoardings. It is also inspected alongside the same standard as the Considerate Constructor's Scheme ensuring that all contractors are following the mitigation measurements which have been agreed.
We have completed specialist Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) surveys in the area and we will continue to have a specialist on site when necessary to identify anything unusual in the ground during the demolition and excavation works.
Enhancing biodiversity and ecology in the area is an important aspect of the project. We are working with our development partners UPP to retain much of the mature woodland, plant double the amount of hedgerow that is currently in the area and plant over 200 trees. The new planting will include a mix of seasonal species to enhance biodiversity, and wildlife habitats will be greatly improved, including the installation of bat, bird and hedgehog boxes, and wood and stone piles to provide further habitats. The enhancements will provide an overall biodiversity net gain of 14%, creating more and better quality natural habitats than before the development.
The project team will provide regular updates on the project web page, in letters at key points in the project and at the University’s resident liaison meetings (a termly meeting with local Councillors and Resident Association Leads).
We aim to meet with local residents again before construction work starts on site and at regular points throughout the project.
When construction starts, we will have specific site managers that can be contacted if there are any issues.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns please email WestPark@exeter.ac.uk and a member of the project team will get back to you.
To be kept up-to-date on the project, please sign up to our mailing list via the registration form here.
How will you keep University colleagues and students updated on the plans and construction activity?
The project team will provide regular updates on the project web page and in emails to key University stakeholders.
We will also provide updates in the colleague Weekly Bulletin and student newsletter at key milestones in the project or when significant disruption is expected in the area.
If you have any questions or concerns please email WestPark@exeter.ac.uk and a member of the project team will get back to you.
To be kept up-to-date on the project, please sign up to our mailing list via the registration form here.