This week’s blog is written by the University of Exeter Communications Team – Campus Services, and is all about the building works taking place at some of our residences and in close proximity to some of our residences during the 2019/20 academic year.
Essential repairs and improvement works are taking place on a number of blocks at our Streatham Campus during the 2019/20 academic year. The blocks directly affected will be located at our Lafrowda, Birks Grange Village and Duryard residences. Works will also be underway to create new student accommodation at our Spreytonway and East Park sites, both of which are in close proximity to some of our Lafrowda and St German’s residences. Further information about the new builds can be found towards the end of this blog.
What’s going to be happening with the essential repairs and improvement works?
There are two main categories of works planned:
What should I expect if I live in a block affected by the essential repairs?
To carry out the updates to the exterior of the building during term one and term two, scaffolding will be erected around some of the blocks in the Lafrowda, Birks Grange Village and Duryard residences. In blocks at Lafrowda where the shower room works will be taking place you will be required to pack up your belongings into crates (which will be provided) and move to an alternative flat for a period of one week whilst the works take place. You will then move back into your original flat at the end of the week. Don’t worry, you will not be moving by yourself – you will move with your flatmates to the alternative flat and both University staff and a professional removal team will be on hand to move your crates.
You can watch a video from some of our past students to find out more about what it has been like to live in an affected block and also about the moving process.
I’ve heard there is a rent reduction – how does this work?
Every effort will be made to reduce the disruption caused by the essential repairs and improvement works, however rent reductions will be available for students living in residences in 2019/20:
- who have works taking place to the exterior of the block they live in
- who need to move out of their flats to allow shower room works to be completed
Please note, if you live in a block in close proximity, you will not be eligible for a rent reduction.
Which blocks will be affected?
To see the locations of the scheduled works, take a look at our essential repairs and improvements maps:
Please note the Lafrowda map also shows those residences in close proximity to our Spreytonway development.
Are the residences safe to live in?
The planned works will not affect the operation of the accommodation, which remain safe, fully functioning and able to be occupied. The works will be planned carefully to ensure the impact is as minimal as possible for those residents in the affected blocks.
How do I apply to live in, or request to not live in an affected block?
When applying for accommodation you will have the opportunity to specify if you would consider living in an area where works are planned.
We advise students to check their accommodation offer carefully, at which point you will know if you have been offered a room where works are taking place, and the level of rent reduction you would receive. The information provided on our website will continue to be updated so that you can check the detail of works planned for your allocated accommodation. Please consider all information carefully before accepting your offer.
What works are currently underway to create new student residences in close proximity to existing blocks?Currently there are two construction sites in close proximity to some of our existing residences. Spreytonway is located at the eastern end of Lafrowda and works are underway to create 131 new bedrooms by 2020. East Park is across the valley from the North West corner of Lafrowda and works are underway to create 1182 new bedrooms. Typically construction works take place from 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm on Saturdays. All works are carefully managed and if you live in close proximity to Spreytonway, you will receive regular updates outlining the work activities for the week including the anticipated levels of disruption to help you plan your week. Please note if you live in close proximity to these works you will not be eligible for a rent reduction.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Essential Repairs and Improvement works webpages for full details.
When in residence you will receive Weekly Updates from the project team and points of contact will be available to handle any concerns you may have whilst the works are taking place.
We are seeking to provide you with as much detail as we are able to at this moment, however this could be changed by events outside the University’s control. For the avoidance of any doubt, the refund associated with the essential repairs and improvement works will only be payable if the works proceed.
University of Exeter Communications Team – Campus Services