Student Accommodation
Evolving the provision of amenity and social spaces
As the PBSA sector professionalises and attracts greater investor interest, developers and operators are looking to create amenity spaces that can evolve with students needs and deliver an ever-improving living experience.
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TUDENT accommodation provider Liberty Living has commissioned WCEC Architects to review amenity
and social space provision within its UK operational portfolio. In addition, the team has been instructed to proceed with detailed designs and planning applications for pilot schemes in Newcastle, Southampton, Manchester and Liverpool. Liberty Living currently manages 19,800
beds in 48 properties across 19 UK cities. Chief operating officer John Kenny says: “The spaces we are creating will be multi- functional and allow our residents to enjoy an improved sense of community and social experience, with facilities such as; social lounges, different types of study spaces, media rooms, games areas, gymnasiums and private dining rooms. “It is important for us to demonstrate to our University and HEI partners and
customers that we understand their needs and aspirations for modern student living.” Knowledge and experience combined
with in-depth research means that operators like Liberty Living have a good idea of what the next generation of amenities should look like. “Some of the work that we are doing to create amenities is focused on the first generation of residences that we acquired from universities or operators,” John Kenny adds. “Whilst in many cases we’ve since re-
modelled the interior to create brand new, fantastic looking accommodation and great Wi-Fi, we recognise that modern, multi- functional, amenity space will transform these assets further.” The latest initiative presents several
interesting challenges for the architects as every asset Liberty Living owns is very different – and has different residents’
needs, according to WCEC director Nick Riley. He explains: “In some instances we are re-using and extending existing spaces, but often the appropriate space doesn’t even exist. This is where we are designing new-build facilities which will become the new central focus of these large sites. Our intention is for these buildings to be modern pavilions, with lots of visibility and exceptional interiors, to make them a clear destination for residents to want to use.” The project will take between two and
three years to complete. At present approximately half of the portfolio is being assessed, with works on site for the first five projects due to start this year.
www.libertyliving.co.uk www.wcec.co.uk
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