March 13, 2018 STUDENT FLATS TAKE SHAPE ON SITE OF FORMER UNIVERSITY LAB
A former university research laboratory in Liverpool is being transformed into student flats in a £2m scheme which is being project-managed by Hardcastle and Hogarth, a consultancy owned by Recom Solutions.
A team at Hardcastle and Hogarth led by Cameron Wilson is managing the project for property company Skyline Developments and is providing quantity surveying services. Hardcastle and Hogarth also took charge of the planning and funding processes for the scheme.
The building on Kempston Street in Islington is being converted into 36 one-bedroom flats and a penthouse, which are due to take tenants from the start of the next academic year in September.
The old two-storey laboratory, which was used by the University of Liverpool for marine research, has been partially demolished and extended and is being converted into a four-storey apartment block with a timber frame, lightwell and rooftop penthouse.
Recom director Jason McKnight said: “The building is in a part of Liverpool city centre which is seeing a great deal of regeneration and we are pleased to be contributing further to the area’s revival with these new apartments, which are being developed to a high specification.”
Students taking up residence at Kempston Street will benefit from high-speed broadband, a free on-site gymnasium and a bicycle storage facility. Each flat will have a flat-screen TV set, a fitted study desk, an en-suite bathroom and a shared kitchen.
Skyline Developments director Iqeel Abbas said: “It is an exciting time for the business, as there is so much going on in Liverpool. We are delighted to be part of it with the Kempston Street scheme and we are looking to acquire further development sites in the city.”
Wellcare Construction is the main contractor for the project. Other professionals working on the project include architect Paul Keegan Associates, structural consultant Beckett Consulting and mechanical and electrical specialist Neco Services Design.