Vinci Building has been selected to deliver construction works on a £600m student accommodation programme at the University of Southampton, after a consortium including the contractor was named as the preferred bidder.
The contractor is part of the Aspire consortium, alongside financial partner Hochtief PPP Solutions and developer Cityheart.
The 50-year programme will be delivered under a design, build, finance and operate model, with Aspire providing a single long-term partner for the university across design, construction, energy and facilities management.
Data intelligence provider Glenigan values the work at £600m.
Initial works are expected to complete by 2029 and include 1,092 new student beds at the Connaught and South Stoneham (pictured) campuses.
The programme also covers the refurbishment of 399 rooms at Archers Road and the restoration of the Grade II*-listed Stoneham House.
Willmore Iles Architects has been appointed as architect for the scheme, while facilities management will be delivered by Aspire Students Limited.
The University of Southampton said it would submit a planning application for the developments later this week.
Kevin Argent, executive director of estates and facilities at the university, said the consortium had demonstrated the capability to deliver large-scale, sustainable accommodation.
He added that the partnership would support plans to grow the student population to 30,000 by 2031 while improving the quality and affordability of housing.
The project will deliver an all-electric estate designed to exceed UK net zero carbon targets. Plans include increasing the proportion of lower-cost rooms by 10 per cent.
Ian Prescott, Hochtief PPP Solutions managing director for the UK and Ireland, said the consortium combined expertise in finance, development and long-term operations.
Cityheart executive chair Mark McNamee said the partnership’s integrated approach would support the university’s long-term estate strategy.
Vinci Building regional director Jason Griffiths said the contractor would draw on its experience in delivering large-scale student accommodation, including a Passivhaus scheme at the University of the West of England.
The Aspire partners said the project would create opportunities for local employment and businesses during construction.
Source: Aspire Consortium