GRAHAM has initiated work on a significant new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project at Loughborough University, with a total investment of £59 million. The groundbreaking ceremony, which took place last week, marked a pivotal moment for the project, located in the Central Park area of the university’s campus. This milestone celebration included key stakeholders from Loughborough University and GRAHAM, such as Professor Nick Jennings, the Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University; James Henry, the Project Board Chair; Mia Jackson, the President of Loughborough Students’ Union; and Ronan Hughes, the Regional Director at GRAHAM.
The Project Overview
The new PBSA scheme is set to offer 552 bedspaces spread across five accommodation blocks, each reaching heights of up to six storeys. This initiative is a direct response to the increasing demand for quality, self-catered housing on the East Midlands campus. The development will include en-suite rooms, communal study and social spaces, as well as shared amenity areas and sub-warden accommodation. Additionally, a new plant block, utilities, and associated external works are part of the comprehensive project design.
Environmental Considerations
In alignment with contemporary sustainability practices, the project will integrate air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels into its energy strategy. These features not only enhance the environmental credentials of the development but also contribute to Loughborough University’s commitment to fostering an eco-friendly campus. The accommodation will be nestled within landscaped surroundings, providing students with a pleasant atmosphere for meeting, studying, and socialising.
Strategic Importance
The planning approval from Charnwood Borough Council has paved the way for this project, which is a vital component of Loughborough University’s long-term accommodation strategy aimed at augmenting on-campus residence options. Graham Howard, the Director of Estates and Facilities Management at Loughborough University, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We’re delighted to get this hugely important project underway. The new hall will provide our students, both those already studying with us and those who’ll join us in the future, with high-quality accommodation alongside shared space for them to study and socialise, at the very heart of our campus.”
Future Developments
Ronan Hughes, Regional Director at GRAHAM, commented on the significance of the groundbreaking event, saying, “Breaking ground marks the transition from planning to delivery on a development that will make a meaningful contribution to the University’s campus and student experience.” With a team experienced in delivering complex accommodation and educational projects, GRAHAM looks forward to collaborating closely with Loughborough University and other project partners to realise this development. Construction is now in progress, with completion anticipated for late summer 2027, just in time for the commencement of the next academic year.