Located in the heart of Guildford town centre, just minutes from local amenities, the mainline railway station, and both the University of Surrey and the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), The Bridge was formerly operated as a YMCA hostel. The building was acquired by our client in June 2022 with the goal of transforming it into high-quality student accommodation.

RENU were appointed in August 2022 to review the proposed scheme, audit progress by the incumbent team, and deliver a viable strategy to refurbish the building, all while occupied by 65 students in time for the 2023/24 academic year.

To meet this challenge, we implemented a negotiated procurement route and developed detailed phasing plans to safely sequence works around student occupancy. Phase 1 strip-out commenced pre-Christmas 2022.

By August 2023, the building had been fully refurbished, delivering; 112 upgraded student rooms with ensuite bathrooms,18 new studio rooms, new communal kitchens, amenity spaces, reception, and ACM offices/meeting rooms

The result is a modern, fully let, future ready student residence delivered on time and in close collaboration with both academic and contractor stakeholders.