DRH moves into second phase

The development of student accommodation David Russell Hall has moved into its second phase with the award of a second building contract being granted to existing developers.

Following a timely completion of phase one earlier this summer and a successful planning application for the next phase, the University have awarded AWG Construction Services a contract worth £17.2million.

The award for the second phase of state-of-the-art student accommodation and a social facilities building at DRH follows the successful completion of the £6.3 million first phase of accommodation unveiled in July this year.

The £23.5 million DRH development is the largest construction project the University has undertaken and is one of the most significant and ambitious residential developments ever undertaken by a UK university.

Phase one of DRH consisted of 230 rooms with en-suite facilities in five person apartments at the eastern end of the site.

Phase two of the project will consist of eight blocks of residential accommodation, providing 513 bedrooms with en- suite facilities. The bedrooms are configured in five person apartments with communal lounge and kitchen facilities; complemented by a number of two person studio apartments.

Forming the centrepiece to the DRH scheme is the new social facilities building which will feature catering and dining facilities, a laundrette and retail and conference space.

The whole project is due to be completed in March 2005, with the first four blocks of apartments due to be finished by August 2004.

David Loudon, Director of Estates and Buildings for University of St Andrews, said:

“The University of St Andrews is pleased to continue its association with AWG Construction Services at David Russell Hall. The completed project will provide our students with homes and infrastructure at the highest quality.

“The University also wishes to acknowledge the positive role of the local community especially our neighbours in assisting to achieve an excellent design for the project.”

Commenting on the news, David Downie, AWG Construction Services regional director, said: “The designers, the client and our construction team have all worked tirelessly together to deliver an appropriate solution that matches 21st century expectations.

“We believe passionately in teamwork and the award of the second phase of this contract is a compliment of the highest-order for all those involved.”

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CONTACTS: University Press Office ¿ Gayle Cook – 01334 467227, 07900 050 103, [email protected]

AWG Construction Services Ltd – Katrina Keenan – 0131 228 4188, [email protected]

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Issued by Beattie Media On behalf of the University of St Andrews Contact Gayle Cook on 01334 467227, mobile 07900 050 103, or email [email protected] Ref: DRH phase 2 020903 View the latest University news at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk