GROUND BREAKING STARTS SUSTAINABLE SCHEME AT SUSSEX UNI
University of Sussex Vice-Chancellor Michael Farthing marked construction firm Ocon’s official commencement of a new 777-bedroom student accommodation scheme on the University campus with a ground breaking ceremony.
Professor Farthing performed the honours by driving a JCB to cut the first piece of turf at the site, alongside Ocon managing director Clive Williamson. The ceremony heralds the beginning of foundation-laying following site preparation for the largest single construction programme since the University was first established in the 1960s. The £26 million programme will take 16 months to complete and will involve 14 new three and four-storey rectangular and L-shaped blocks.
Designed by architects, Pascall+Watson to complement the rural setting that characterises the campus, the student accommodation development has already achieved a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating for its eco-friendly design. Ocon will be responsible for delivering a number of sustainable features as part of the build programme, including a major extension to the district heating system, high levels of insulation and green ‘sedum’ roofs, which will allow vegetation to grow on the roofs, helping the student accommodation to blend in with its surroundings.
The student accommodation scheme will be completed in July 2011 ready for the 2011/2012 academic year.
