Eden Square, Coventry

Coventry
£16m
Design & Build

This design and build project saw Clegg manage the conversion of the old Coventry and Warwickshire hospital into 344 student accommodation units which entailed the extensive refurbishment of two listed buildings together with extensions and two new blocks.

Along with the student bedrooms the project included the creation of a central courtyard and landscaping works, with bathroom pods utilised in the accommodation units.

Foundation/Frame/Envelope

The new building had a structural steel frame with metal deck upper floors. The envelope was constructed of SFS, facing brickwork and the roof has a single-ply roof covering.

SITE CHALLENGES

The site’s city centre location coupled with tight access constraints made for a logistically challenging project. Prior to the commencement of works, Clegg engaged with local businesses and facilities, including a school, medical centre, college and church, to ensure all parties were aware of the project’s programme, as well as establishing a key point of contact for feedback and queries.  

The latter stages of the project were delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic and a government-enforced national lockdown period. Our health and safety-driven approach, which included strict adherence to social distancing guidelines, helped ensure the prevention of infection spread on site.

SERVICES

Mechanical and electrical services included the installation of several plant rooms, as well as lighting, power, data cabling, fire detection and alarm systems, plus heating, ventilation and cooling.

PV panels were installed on the roof to help reduce carbon emissions by providing the building with access to a reliable, clean source of energy.

SOCIAL VALUE AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

Prior to the commencement of works an ecological survey identified the presence of bats in the existing building, meaning that the programme had to be structured to ensure that roofing works had to be completed by March.

During the project, day release students were welcomed on site from Coventry College and Bishop Ullathorn School.

This build has achieved BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

Client testimonial

“I would like to thank the Clegg team for delivering such a fantastic project in time for our students to move in tomorrow. It was truly a fantastic achievement by Clegg under the current market conditions and restrictions. Well done all!
 
I think we can all claim this to be one of the most “beautiful” and historic student schemes to be delivered in the UK for 2020.”