Student Village at University of Staffordshire 

We’re onsite building a new Student Village at University of Staffordshire’s main Stoke-on-Trent campus, joining forces in a consortium with Hochtief PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, Plenary, Pinnacle Group and University of Staffordshire to utilise a DBFO (Design, Build, Finance, Operate) model.

What we are delivering

The village has been designed around the student experience, bringing new homes, a sustainable social hub and generous green space together on one connected campus:

• 700 new student homes across a mix of cluster blocks and townhouses.
• A net zero student hub in operation, with individual and group study areas, flexible-use space and a rooftop terrace.
• Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels and air source heat pumps, with Passivhaus principles reducing heating and cooling demand to help the hub reach net zero in operation.
• Refurbishment of the Clarice Cliff Court residences (circa 297 rooms) to modernise living space and significantly improve energy efficiency.
• A new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk providing an accessible, scenic connection between the village and the wider campus.
• New accessible parkland on the former Leek Road accommodation site, delivering a 12% biodiversity net gain for local wildlife.

The net-zero hub

With individual and group study areas, flexible use space, and an outdoor seating area on the rooftop terrace, the new student hub provides an array of spaces to enhance the learning of students. The hub will be made accessible through the addition of a new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk.

At the heart of the hub is sustainability. Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels will create on-site renewable electricity, and air source heat pumps will minimise energy demands for hot water and heating.

To help reach net-zero in operation, we will be utilising Passivhaus Principles to reduce demands on heating and cooling, making the building more energy efficient. This will include high levels of insulation, using materials with a low U-value to enhance thermal efficiency and maximising air tightness.

A track record for sustainable campuses

Willmott Dixon has a well-established higher-education track record, including the Stirling Prize-winning Town House at Kingston University in 2021, and is the UK’s leading Passivhaus contractor.

On this scheme we are using modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to keep both operational and embodied carbon low and to deliver EPC A-rated homes. Sustainability is designed in from the outset: net zero carbon in operation, Passivhaus principles, on-site renewable electricity from roof-mounted solar PV, and air source heat pumps for heating and hot water.

Creating green spaces for students to enjoy

As well as new indoor spaces, students will benefit from open, green spaces externally. The demolition of existing student accommodation on the University’s Leek Road site will make way for an accessible parkland, which will also benefit local wildlife by providing a biodiversity net gain of 12%.

Giving back to the local community

During the construction of University of Staffordshire’s Student Village, there will be various social value commitments delivered. One of the most important commitments is to provide local employment opportunities, which will see 25% of labour from within 10 miles of the project and 50% within 30 miles.

There will also be a host of education and training opportunities, spanning apprenticeships, internships, work experience, careers workshops and upskilling. Using our existing relationship with The Careers & Enterprise Company, we are working closely with Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub to engage with local schools and colleges across the region.

The consortium partners came together to celebrate starting on site

Dan Doyle, operations director at Willmott Dixon, explains:

“We will be incorporating modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to ensure it is a low-carbon development. Combine this with renewable energy sources, building to Passivhaus design principles and structures that are directly inspired by the setting, the university will have a development with a strong character and identity – fostering a sense of place and community. Offering a safe, secure, and inclusive environment, students can expect a true home from home.”

Professor Martin Jones, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, adds:

“Providing an excellent student experience is a strategic priority and the Student Village is designed to respond to what students say they want. With the full backing of our Board of Governors, we are delighted to move closer towards making a start on this project which, alongside our academic course offering and exceptional support services, will help to make us stand out in the market.”

Ian Prescott, Managing Director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, said:

“We are delighted to have been selected for this prestigious project and look forward to working with the University and consortium partners to realise the vision for the new student village.”