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University of Kent unveils new residences

The University of Kent will be able to offer purpose-built, high-quality accommodation to more than 600 students based at its Medway campus from late summer 2009.

The University has signed contracts with leading developer Berkeley First for the provision of student residences, marking a significant milestone in the regeneration of Pier Road, Gillingham.

Situated less than a 15-minute walk from the Medway campus at Chatham Maritime, the scheme will comprise 549 single study bedrooms, 55 studios and a caretaker's flat.

Split between two main buildings, the larger block will comprise 406 rooms around a central courtyard, including a laundry and social area, together with a reception. The second, smaller building will contain 198 rooms, with plans to include an express-style supermarket. It is hoped that there will also be a café.

The target completion date is August 2009, enabling students to move in to their new residences for the start of the academic year in September 2009. Berkeley First commenced work on site earlier this month (January).

Professor Clare Mackie, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the University's Medway campus, said she was delighted that Kent was meeting its aim of providing high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation to cope with growing demand. 'Our new University residences will provide a tremendous boost to our fast-growing and exciting campus,' she said.

'The most recent National Student Survey ranked Kent as the top university in the South East, and placed us among the top ten nationally for overall course satisfaction. Adding student accommodation of this calibre at Medway can only further enhance the student experience.

'Being within a short walking distance of the campus also means that the reliance on cars will be greatly reduced, which is part of our greener travel plan for the campus,' Professor Mackie added.

Matthew Biddle, Managing Director for Berkeley First, said the Pier Road scheme offered a good opportunity to make a positive and meaningful contribution towards the regeneration of part of Gillingham. 'We are delighted that we have made such a significant contribution towards helping the University of Kent meet its objectives for an even stronger student offer,' he said.

'True regeneration comes from looking at the genuine needs of an area and devising the right, bespoke solutions to meet these. The Pier Road scheme will transform this area of Gillingham. It will not only aid the continued success of the University of Kent, but will also make a significant contribution to alleviating pressure on the local housing market as a result.'

Contact: N.J.Ellwood@kent.ac.uk

Story published at 9:47am 14 January 2008