ISG builds student residence in Notting Hill
(15/04/2010)

ISG has successfully negotiated its second student accommodation scheme for The Blackstone Group, taking a £14 million project to build a Nido student residence in Notting Hill. The contractor is on track to successfully complete its first project for the client, the 33-storey £120 million Nido Spitalfields development, by late summer 2010.

In Notting Hill, ISG has commenced work on the 272 bed student accommodation scheme, with the first phase seeing the demolition of an existing single-storey and part four-storey mixed use building. A seven-storey reinforced concrete frame structure will then be constructed, which features an internal courtyard area at first floor level. The 89,294 sq ft building will accommodate 233 rooms, including twin bed apartments, single studio units and specially designed disabled rooms.

Proximity to the Grand Union Canal and sloping site topography have resulted in challenging ground conditions requiring a reduced level dig and the installation of a sheet piled retaining wall, to protect the canal tow path. Designed by architects TP Bennett to complement the surrounding built environment, the new student accommodation will incorporate a brick façade to the lower five storey's, with curtain walling to the upper two levels.

The scheme embraces the modern methods of construction (MMC) ethos, with off site manufactured bathroom pods and kitchen units used throughout the development to enhance efficiencies and provide greater quality control. The building also aims for a very good BREEAM environmental performance rating by utilising efficient air source heat pumps and a green sedum roof, which incorporates bat box habitats. At ground floor level, ISG will build a gym, lounge area and six individual work space units, with the project scheduled for completion in summer 2011.

Craig Tatton, ISG’s managing director, commented: "Our appointment to this latest project demonstrates the critical importance of delivering high quality solutions and retaining influential clients. Forging strong customer relationships, built on trust and an ability to deliver on our promises, is a key path to generating repeat business opportunities, and represents an area where ISG continues to prove highly successful.”