The new Residences Strategy 2015-2020, approved by Council this year, aims to support the University’s aspirations around growth and student experience.
A first step in the delivery of this Strategy has been the creation of the new Residences Business Unit, responsible for the halls estate and over 6,500 student rooms.
The Unit pulls together staff from Student Services, Estates and Facilities and Finance into a new unified Management and Governance structure.
Its vision is to create a residential environment that is attractive to prospective students and which offers current students a residential community experience, providing a basis for them to achieve their academic potential while developing personal skills that support their move towards independent living and working.
Following the delivery of 1,104 student rooms at Mayflower Halls for this academic year, the new Unit is currently overseeing the arrival of another 364 rooms in City Gateway for September and a further 356 rooms in 2016 with the opening of New Chamberlain Halls.
Work has also started on planning the delivery of additional rooms, as well as implementing a refurbishment programme across the halls estate.
Kevin Monaghan, Director of Estates and Facilities commented:
“The broad range of skills across the new management team means it is well placed to support the excellent work already taking place within Halls as well as managing the delivery of this exciting Strategy.
This summer will see the team accommodate over 1,290 Pre sessional students alongside commissioning a new halls of residence and undertaking a full maintenance programme ahead of next year’s intake on the 19 and 20 September.”