Bouygues UK has been confirmed by student rooms developer UPP as lead contractor for the University of Exeter’s flagship student rooms campus, after the pair reached financial close on the landmark scheme.

The three-year project thought to be worth £185m will deliver over 1,800 new and refurbished student rooms across the Streatham Campus, creating six new accommodation blocks and upgrading Birks Grange village.

It is the latest expansion of a partnership between UPP and the university dating back to 2009. The scheme has been several years in planning and UPP had originally line up Graham Construction as preferred bidder, but since the plan has been redesigned and re-engineered.

Following financial close demolition will get underway initially in the Clydesdale and Nash area to pave the way for the first two of three phases of development.

The new scheme will be gas-free, with hot water provided by heat pumps.

Designed by Willmore Iles Architects and Architype, West Park will be built to Passivhaus standards and accredited to the WELL Community standard, ensuring the highest benchmarks in energy efficiency, carbon reduction and student wellbeing.

Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO, said the deal marked “an innovative project with the University of Exeter. This sustainable development represents the future of student accommodation, providing new homes for over 1,800 students.

“West Park is the next step in our partnership with the University and is testament to the strength of our relationship.”

Philippe Bernard, chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, said: “Bouygues UK is committed to delivering exemplary projects that meet the highest standards of energy efficiency and resident wellbeing. We are delighted to lead construction for a project that symbolises innovation and sustainability in student accommodation.”

New buildings would range in height from three to eight storeys

The first tranche of students will move in by September 2027, with full occupation in 2028.