Truman on Track with the £9.4m Unicorn Halls Project
Truman is currently halfway through the exciting project of delivering the design and build of Unicorn Halls. We’re working on the student accommodation project for valued client, Unicorn Developments Limited. The £9.4m project is scheduled for completion within a 68-week timeframe and at week 33 we’ve made great progress.
The Unicorn Halls development encompasses a new three- and five-storey student accommodation block housing 128 studio apartments. Alongside this new build block, Truman will be converting a grade 2 listed public house into five additional studio apartments and communal facilities.
Delivering the new build apartment block
The new construction is a steel frame structure with metal deck/concrete floors and a Top Deck composite roof. Externally, the walls are being created using SFS framing with an Alsecco brick-slip clad façade. This will give the structure a modern and eye-catching aesthetic in keeping with the architectural values of the region.
Each studio apartment will be fully kitted out with modern kitchens, comfortable beds, and dedicated study areas. The bathrooms are being designed as prefabricated ensuite pods, ensuring a high standard of finish and speedy installation.
Bringing a listed building back to life
We take care across all of our projects and nowhere is that more true than when working with listed structures. Throughout the project, we’ve worked closely with the Conservation Officer to preserve the historical value of the building. Before the transformation could take place in earnest, we’ve had to secure the structure through extensive remedial measures due to its previously dilapidated state. These initial works set the scene for us to give the historic structure a new lease on life.
Where we are with the project
33 weeks in, the project is coming together nicely. Construction milestones to date include:
· The initial site setup
· S-185 drainage diversion works
· Piling for the new build, and casting of the in-situ concrete ground beams
· The erection of the steel frame
To top that off, the roofing for the project is nearly finished, with 98% of the work already done. Work is also underway on the upper concrete floors, with the first delivery of bathroom pods scheduled for arrival in the coming weeks. Finally, the intumescent painting of the steel frame, a crucial phase of the project, will also begin soon.
The conversion of the existing Unicorn building is likewise well underway with the required stabilisation works in progress. Once complete, we’ll begin the process of stripping out the interior before performing a full interior renovation and fit-out.
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The Unicorn Halls project demonstrates Truman’s commitment to creating high-quality, sustainable living spaces while respecting and preserving the historical integrity of the sites they work on. We’ll be sure to keep you updated on our progress over the second half of the project.