Swindon-based construction firm Beard has started work on a £5.3m refurbishment project to convert a former tax office in central Bristol into high-specification student accommodation.
Beard is working with architects Stride Treglown and Stamford Goldhawk to convert the 4,500 sq m Norfolk House in Water Lane into 152 studio apartments with ensuite showers over four floors.
The redeveloped building will also house a gym, cinema and private study rooms with high-speed broadband and wi-fi and will feature energy-saving measures such as solar panels on the roof to help reduce residents’ carbon footprint and lower energy bills.
The scheme is one of a number of projects in central Bristol that are converting outdated office buildings for residential use – mainly student accommodation. The trend is being partly driven by changes in planning rules that allow developers to convert some buildings without planning permission under so-called Permitted Development Rights.
Beard contracts manager Martin Courtney said: “There is a desperate need for high-quality student accommodation in Bristol and this hi-spec refurbishment will make a valuable contribution to meeting this need.
“We’re delighted to be working with Stamford Goldhawk and Stride Treglown on this important student housing scheme, which will provide university students with a comfortable and purpose-designed home away from home during their studies.”
Family-owned Beard, which last year won the coveted PwC West of England Business of the Year Award, has operated in Swindon since 1892. It also has offices in Oxford and Guildford but is increasingly targeting work in Bristol.
The Norfolk House scheme is due for completion in July.
Pictured: An artist’s impression of one of the student bedrooms at Norfolk House
