St Gabriels
Delivering 319-bed purpose built student accommodation for McLaren Property.
The existing buildings, which were formerly a nursing home, hostel and women’s only hall of residence, are being refurbished and converted into much-needed accommodation for students, catering to an expanding population.
Designed by Simpson Haugh, the new development on what is a very tight site, with complex logistics, will deliver 319-bed spaces, along with shared amenity space and characterful new courtyards and gardens for the use of residents.
The unique project is being funded by Barings, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, on behalf of a pan-European strategy to acquire core real estate, for c. £65 million.
Key points
Sensitive restoration and redevelopment
The £34 million programme of restoration and expansion works will enhance and complement the character of the Victoria Park Conservation Area, the redevelopment includes the renovation of St Gabriel’s Chapel and Lodge and Woodthorpe Hall, returning a heritage asset back to its former glory.
The plans entail demolition and part demolition of existing structures and full refurbishments of St Gabriel’s and Woodthorpe Hall. The refurbishment of retained buildings has involved structural alterations and includes a new roof featuring terracotta roof tiles, while red brick has been used, along with painted white window frames, and stone corbels.
The original St Gabriel’s villa will be fitted out with amenity facilities including study spaces, exercise space, as well as break out and reception areas. While Woodthorpe Hall will contain 40 bespoke ensuite bedrooms, each different, due to the layout of the historic building.
Purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA)
Alongside the restoration of St Gabriel’s and Woodthorpe Hall McLaren Construction is also delivering two new buildings of four and five storeys, providing the purpose-built student accommodation, alongside a sub-station, and outbuildings.
The new buildings will consist of buff and grey brick with flat and recessed panels, aluminium frame glazing with perforated aluminium screens, glazed and louvered doors and green roofs.
ESG credentials
St Gabriel’s Hall will target strong ESG credentials, with the newbuild element set to achieve EPC A alongside a BREEAM excellent rating.
The refurbishment of the underutilised heritage buildings will also have major environmental benefits to the developments embodied carbon rating and footprint.
The buildings will be partly powered by air source heat pumps to produce hot water, with no gas used on site, while the scheme will also benefit from the proximity to public transport to further reduce its environmental impact.
Practical completion
St Gabriel’s Chapel and Lodge will complete summer 2025, enabling the first residents to move in in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
