Restoration and refurbishment of a period building into student accommodation.

  • -Four en-suite bedrooms, two studios and a communal kitchen
  • -Extensive preparation works, incl. structural alterations, damp proofing, groundworks and roofing repairs
  • -Stone window reveals, pitched ceilings, arched doorways and original stone walls, all lovingly repaired and renewed
  • -Occupied building with complex logistics management

The Town House at Cathedral Park forms part of a larger annexed building commonly known as the Upper School, built in the mid-1800s. Previously used as a nunnery, school, and even as a bomb shelter during World War 2, the Town House had been left dilapidated and unoccupied for a number of years.

We were given the opportunity to work alongside Unite Students to design, repair and refurbish this once beautiful building, not only to restore it to its former glory but to go one step further in providing high-spec bespoke student accommodation units.

The building comprises six en-suite bedrooms, two being studios with their own kitchens, and a further communal kitchen. Each room retains its own period features, be it stone window reveals, pitched ceilings, arched doorways or original stone walls, all lovingly repaired and renewed.

“This refurbishment was unique, due to the heritage of the building it presented bespoke challenges pre and post contract. None of the issues identified were obstacles for Fortis Vision and they delivered an exceptional product which all are proud of.”

The works consisted of a full first and second fix from shell, carrying out a number of structural alterations, damp proofing, groundworks and roof repairs. M&E works included installation of all small power, lighting, fire alarm, data, extraction, water and drainage, delivering new services to every room in the building.

While Cathedral Park wasn’t without its obstacles during the build, we managed to overcome them all by problem solving as a team. We were overjoyed to complete the project to a high-quality finish, covering all building regulations and providing O&M manuals within 24 hours.