Key numbers
Key numbers
Overview
In 2019, Equans secured more than £200 million in contracts for a state-of-the-art student accommodation and regeneration scheme with Freemen’s Common Village LLP, the special purpose vehicle (SPV) established to design, build, fund, manage and operate the project for University of Leicester.
This scheme - which took three years to complete - is a combination of state-of-the-art new build and careful refurbishment of historic facilities.
The result has helped secure the University of Leicester’s position as a leading education provider whilst upholding its heritage.
Freemen’s Common Village LLP was formed as a special purpose vehicle by the University, Equans and investors Equitix to design, build, fund, manage and operate the project for the University of Leicester. Equans has also accepted a 50-year, £50m hard facilities management contract for the new facilities and taken up an equity stake in the campus alongside funding partner Equitix.
Sustainability has been central to the project, with a range of renewable and energy-saving technologies incorporated to deliver low carbon solutions throughout.
Our work
The project included the design and creation of:
- Seven high-rise accommodation blocks, providing 1,164 student rooms. The off-site modular construction techniques used provide high thermal mass and low U-values, making them highly energy efficient.
- A 555-space multi-storey car park, with a striking metallic finish and 28 electric vehicle charge points.
- A 9,000m² teaching and learning centre, including a 600-seat lecture theatre, which achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standard.
- Indoor and outdoor social space at Freemen’s Kitchen & Bar.
In addition, Grade II Listed Freemen’s Common Cottages have been respectfully restored, with a new glass-walled reception and seating area added.
Photovoltaic solar panels and highly-efficient centralised combined heat and power keep the buildings running efficiently. Students can control their energy use through individual panels, with an emphasis on reducing their carbon footprint. LED lighting has been used throughout.
The project drew on collaborative expertise, with subcontractors recruited from within 40 miles of the campus. Four construction apprentices completed training through the project, and around 1.4 million hours of manual labour were spent on-site.
Outcomes
- Created 1,164 new accommodation units, a 9,000m² teaching and learning centre, and a 555-space multi-storey car park
- Renovation of Grade II Listed cottages, preserving important heritage assets
- Delivered a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ teaching and learning facility
- Embedded low carbon solutions throughout, including solar PV, CHP and LED lighting
- Strengthened local economic impact through regional subcontractor engagement
- Shortlisted in the ‘Collaboration’ category of the Student Accommodation Awards 2022
- Winner of Large Residential Scheme of the Year and Large Non-Residential Scheme of the Year at the 2023 ProCon Leicestershire Awards
Our expertise
Equans supports businesses, communities and the public sector by mobilising its expertise to provide low-carbon energy solutions, offer cutting-edge technical and FM services and transformative regeneration across the UK & Ireland.
