Orkney Campus - Student Accommodation

Tender description

Introduction Heriot-Watt University currently has around 25 students based in the Orkney Campus. The Campus attracts a large number of British and international students each year. The University is committed to expanding the Campus and the target set in our Strategy 2025 is to grow the student numbers to at least 70. One of the main risks to this plan is the lack of a reliable supply of good quality, sustainable residential accommodation available for students. The Requirement To support the growth plans for the Orkney Campus the University has identified the need for 75 beds. Whilst it would be preferable to satisfy the 75-bed requirement in Stromness, it is recognised that the solution could be spread over more than one location, including areas outside of Stromness. Purpose-Built Student Accommodation, conversions of existing buildings and modular systems will all be considered suitable solutions to satisfy the University’s requirement. Our preference would be a single location solution but a distributed model delivering accommodation along the geographical stretch between Stromness and Kirkwall would be considered by the University. To satisfy the requirement, the University recognises that it may be advantageous for developers to form a partnership with others to deliver the solution and we welcome such a proposition. The Commitment The University’s knowledge of the demand for accommodation from both students and from other parties means we are confident that 75 beds will be filled quickly. However, the University is prepared to enter a Nominations Agreement with the successful bidder that will commit the University to a minimum of thirty-five (35) beds for an initial term of 10 years from the date the accommodation is formally handed over to the University. Private Housing Tenancies (Scotland) Act 2016 The University is acutely aware of the impact of the introduction of the Private Housing Tenancies (Scotland) Act 2016. To mitigate the risks, the University is willing to work with the successful bidder to mitigate the risks associated with private landlords delivering accommodation for students. Sustainability The accommodation should meet the University’s own sustainability aspirations and comply with the Net Zero objectives. Additional information will be shared with intereted parties. Sharing Partners Heriot-Watt University is aware of demand for residential accommodation from other public sector operations and private businesses in Orkney. Heriot-Watt University is not seeking exclusive use of a development and recognises the benefits to the successful bidder of having more than one group occupying the scheme. The University would be pleased to facilitate discussions with other groups in Orkney to maximise interest in this opportunity. Student Experience High quality student accommodation is integral to the student experience and plays a critical role in shaping the wellbeing of our students. There is evidence that providing safe and comfortable accommodation can positively impact students by developing a sense of belonging in new surroundings and contribute to academic success. An important component of student life is providing an environment where students feel connected and can develop a sense of community. The design and approach to student accommodation is therefore pivotal in shaping our student experience. Timeline for Delivery Demand for accommodation is at its highest at the start of the academic year. With the University responsible for paying rent for the rooms it is important for cash flow that the rooms are available at the time of peak demand to enable the University to rent the rooms to the students. The University is aiming for delivery of circa 50% of the 75-bed requirement for the start of the 2024/25 academic year (September 2024). The balance of the required beds can be delivered as soon as possible thereafter within the same academic year.