Burnley Barnfield Limited, a joint venture between Burnley Council and Barnfield Investment Properties, last week completed a 136-bed student accommodation scheme for occupation by The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
The development forms another milestone in the transformation of the wider historic canal-side “On the Banks” project by the council and Barnfield.
The accommodation, delivered by main contractor Barnfield Construction, has been developed to meet growing demand from UCLan’s Burnley campus, where student numbers are expected to rise to 4,000 by 2025.
Designed by Campbell Drive Partnership, the scheme comprises 136 en-suite rooms across 29 cluster flats. On the ground floor is a student hub, study room, cinema room and laundry. The building wraps around Sandygate square and includes two A3 units, which are being marketed by Trevor Dawson.
UCLan took occupation on 14th September and will manage the facility for Burnley Council, who will retain ownership.
Kate Ingram, Strategic Head of Economy and Growth said: “To have delivered this building in such a short time frame and in such difficult circumstances is extraordinary. It is the first purpose-built student accommodation in the town, and we have deliberately set the bar high and I’m pleased with the results. We have created a great student experience whilst respecting the historic canal-side setting”.
UCLan’s Michael Ahern, Chief Information and Infrastructure Officer, added: “It’s a really exciting day in the development of the University of Central Lancashire’s Burnley campus. This fantastic new accommodation facility is essential for building a university town which will attract a new generation of talent and enable us to recruit nationally and internationally.
“Crucial to our plans has been the first-class support and encouragement we’ve received from the entire Burnley community. By continuing to work together, meeting the existing and emerging skills needs of Burnley and East Lancashire, we can achieve our collective vision of driving prosperity and quality of life for the people of Burnley, Lancashire and the north west as a whole.”
Tim Webber, Managing Director of Barnfield Construction, said “We are absolutely delighted to have delivered the high-quality project on time, despite the worldwide pandemic.
“We’re so proud of the hard work and unwavering effort and dedication the team have shown, to deliver what will be a fantastic addition to the projects the joint venture have already achieved, as part of the ongoing On The Banks development.”
Other phases in the multi million pound regeneration development by Burnley Barnfield Limited, which started in 2013, include a University Technical College – now part of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN); Sandygate Square, which includes an amphitheatre and canal side terrace; Slater Terrace featuring self-contained canal side offices units, Banny’s Drive Thru restaurant; The Princes Trust offices; 16 homes at Bridgewalk apartments and the corten bridge linking the University Technical College with Burnley town centre.
Barnfield Construction has been the main contractor for the whole scheme.
The design team consisted of Campbell Driver Partnership (Architects), WH Goode Ltd (M&E), Toppings Engineers (structural) and Mace Cost Consultancy Ltd acted as Employers Representative.
Images show the partners in the scheme, Barnfield, Burnley Council and UCLan, together with the Barnfield Developments and Construction team and internal images of Sandygate Halls.
