The University of Cambridge has been granted planning permission to build 3, 000 new homes as part of its £1 billion development in northwest Cambridge, creating significant employment opportunities for people in the trades.

The planning application for the 150 hectare site was approved by local authorities today, paving the way for residential and development partners to start building construction work in early 2013.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Ian Bates welcomed the project’s planning consent. He commented that the £1 billion investment will encourage economic growth and create new jobs, showing that Cambridge is truly open for business.

Mr Bates said: “This new development and investment in the University will be a major boost to jobs in the area and help attract even more business.

“A booming Cambridge economy is good for our local communities and the nation as we have the ability to help the country out of recession.”

The University of Cambridge said in a statement today that it will provide 1,500 homes for key University and College employees, 1,500 homes for sale and accommodation for 2,000 students.

New 100,000 square metres research institutes will be built to the University’s wide range of community facilities. Around one third of the site will be used as public open space for sports, informal recreation and ecological use.

“This development is a major part of the University’s long term future,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz. “It will provide much of the residential and research accommodation that the University needs as it grows over the next 20 years.”

Councillor for South Cambridgeshire District Council, David Bard, said: “This development is key to the next stage in the development of Cambridge and will be an exemplar of sustainable living. The plans are of a very high quality and will deliver a new community that everyone will be very proud of.”

What is your reaction to the £1 billion investment at the University of Cambridge that will encourage economic growth and create new jobs? Share your thoughts by commenting here or raising your voice on our Facebookpage.

A multimillion accommodation scheme at the University of Stirling has been granted to a large construction firm which will see will the creation of 788 contemporary bedrooms and bring new jobs during its three year redevelopment period.

 The £11 million contract will enable Stirling to compete with universities and colleges around the world whist creating employment opportunities for people in the trades and directly benefiting the local economy.

Building construction work, which is due to start this year, will improve current student accommodation with newly-designed study bedrooms, spacious kitchens with dining space, and increased social spaces.

Director of Estates & Campus Services, Karen Plouviez, described the scheduled redevelopment as the largest capital project the University has undertaken since it was created in the late 1960s.

Ms Plouviez said “We are looking forward to working in partnership with GRAHAM Construction to deliver this transformational project and to sensitively enhancing what is already an exceptional landscape and architectural setting.”

Regional Director for Graham Construction said: “Graham has a policy of being a responsible neighbour to the communities we operate in and we will be seeking to build relationships with the local construction industry and its supply chain.”

What is your reaction on the multimillion accommodation scheme at the University of Stirling? Do you think the local construction industry could benefit by the willingness of Graham Construction to cooperate with its supply chain? Share your thoughts by commenting here or raising your voice on our Facebookpage.

Building work to develop two student accommodation schemes in London and Cambridge is to go ahead this year, providing a total of 770 bed spaces and boosting the building industry, Construction Enquirer reported today.

Student accommodation specialist Downing has confirmed it will build an 80,000 sq. ft. building which will feature 184 student apartments in Acton, West London. Building construction work is scheduled to start this month and it will continue till September 2013, when the £25 million 7-storey towers are completed.

The building firm confirmed it will build more student accommodation in Cambridge that will provide 586 student beds across three new buildings. Downing will also build a mixture of studio flats across the 182,279 sq. ft. development.

Downing Development Director, Paul Houghton, welcomed the new announcements and said that both buildings will be built sustainably which will improve energy efficiency.

Mr Houghton commented: “These acquisitions mark a significant milestone in our strategy to bring the Downing brand of superior, sustainable and energy-efficient buildings to the UK’s major student centres.

“The new funding environment and growing demand for higher quality living spaces with more amenities and better locations means that student accommodation is playing an increasingly important role in how universities attract fee-paying students.”

Do you welcome the new student accommodation scheme in Cambridge and London? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a comment below: