Operon plays key role in accommodating students of the future
Operon is part of a partnership that will finance, build and operate over 3000 new en-suite student rooms for Aston University
Operon has created a partnership agreement with Aston University and Bank of Scotland Corporate to finance, build and operate over 3000 new en-suite student rooms in a £214 million scheme. A registered charity, Aston Student Villages, will co-own the development — called the Student Residences Project. It will finance, build and operate the project for 37 years, when full ownership will revert to the university. Operon is responsible for the design of the M&E and infrastructure services, as well as providing the facilities-management and life-cycle services over the 37 years. Construction of the first phase of 1350 rooms is planned to start in summer 2008 ready for occupancy by 2010. The next phase of 1000 rooms will follow on immediately for completion by 2014. The balance of 650 units comprises Lakeside, a existing accommodation unit built about seven years ago. Michael Corbett, group managing director of Operon, says, ‘We are proud to be involved in this prestigious scheme in association with Aston University. We have had input into the scheme from inception using our design expertise and our in-house environmental division, GENEX, to ensure a sustainable and economic whole-life solution. ‘We recognise this is a long-term partnership, and we will utilise our facilities and property-management expertise to ensure the buildings are kept in pristine condition to enhance the student experience.’ Operon took over the FM services for the existing buildings in April 2008 and will provide maintenance, repair, cleaning and life-cycle replacement over the 37 years.’
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