Darley Bank Peak Court Kitchen view interior works

University of Derby
Student Accommodation

Darley Bank and Peak Court student accommodation at the University of Derby were both originally constructed in 1995. Being located close to Derby city centre and all academic sites, they are popular student halls that consist of modern vibrant flats with four to seven people sharing a kitchen and social space.

Requiring refurbishment and renovations ahead of the new academic term, the scope of work included the renovation of 247 bedrooms with en-suites, 40 kitchens and all associated communal areas over an eight-week period. It also involved improving the fire prevention, water heating and M&E systems throughout both buildings.

Sector

Residential

Services

Interior Design

Status

Completed August 2022

Client

University of Derby

Location

Derby

Programme

Eight weeks

Darley Bank & Peak Court - Student Corridor

Darley Bank & Peak Court - Student Kitchen

Darley Bank & Peak Court Student Bedroom

OUR SOLUTION

With both accommodation buildings located less than 100 metres apart, the project was able to benefit from a shared and central site office and project team.

All 22 kitchens across both sites had their kitchen units replaced and reconfigured to maximise space to include additional wall mounted units. The appliances were all upgraded, and new sockets and splashback zones were fitted, and new flooring installed before redecoration throughout. Each bedroom wall, ceiling, skirting board, and window board was redecorated, with the addition of new flooring, blinds and electrical sockets. Communal areas including all stairwells, corridors and circulation areas benefitted from redecorating of walls, skirting boards and ceiling to top floor level, and replacement carpets throughout.

To ensure the programme of works kept on track, we coordinated closely with the University and site teams to carefully plan the subcontractors and sequence of works. This included a phased delivery approach, with a floor being handed over to the University team each week. As well as providing greater time and cost certainties, this approach allowed the site team to identify and resolve any snagging in a timely manner – which ultimately resulted in the project handing over defect free. It also provided the University early access to inspect and prepare the rooms in time for the new and returning students ahead of the new September term.

" We worked closely with the University of Derby and Morgan Sindall to establish a clear brief and scope of works which centred on enhancing the accommodation facilities for the benefit of its students. Utilising Morgan Sindall’s supply chain, we achieved a safe, bright and vibrant design, bringing the interior up to modern standards, which creates an ideal home from home for its residents.

Craig Taylor, Director of Lungfish Architects

OUTCOMES

Over an eight week period, the student halls have been transformed and the University of Derby can now ensure that they're providing practical and an excellent standard of accommodation for students. All 117 en-suite bedrooms, 22 kitchens and all associated communal areas were refurbished on time, within budget and achieved a client satisfaction score of 10/10.

In addition to this, the social value generated from the project equated to 52.6% of the project value, meaning that more than £1 million was reinvested within the local area. In total, 67.8% of the labour was based within 20 miles of the project, while 88.3% of the project value was spent with small to medium businesses in the local area.

" From the initial design and planning of the work, to budgeting, right the way through to the completion of the works, the collaborative nature of all parties working together was the key to meeting both the budget and the constrained timeframes.

Ross Hughes, Interim Senior Project Manager of University of Derby