Boosting the knowledge-based economy
Detailed research and analysis by Alumno found that creating the best possible experience for students during the years of study encourages them to stay on in Glasgow after graduation, driving skills into the city and boosting the economy. This was key to Alumno’s successful proposal to develop university accommodation in the student heartland of Glasgow’s West End.
“In support of our successful application for the Dumbarton Road development, we felt it was helpful to provide further context to highlight the wider-reaching economic impact that a well-managed and maintained student accommodation development can provide – not only supporting the process of continuing to attract the best students to the city, but also ensuring local areas gain maximum benefit,” explains Alumno managing director David Campbell.
A former electrical store, the chosen site was within easy walking distance of the University of Glasgow and the city’s vibrant West End. Alumno saw the location as an ideal opportunity for the delivery of high-quality, affordable student accommodation, with the provision of modern retail units on the ground floor, and partnered with Kier Construction and Derwent FM on the project.
The finished development now provides accommodation for 174 students. Most rooms allow students to live within self-contained cluster flats sleeping three to six people, featuring kitchen and dining areas. The building also creates a sense of community both inside and out, thanks to a large external courtyard. A small of number of studio flats are also present, along with a common room and other associated amenities on the ground floor.
An important requirement of the development was sustainability. As such, all students are encouraged to be responsible for and aware of the amount of energy, water and waste they use. Meanwhile, the building itself has been designed to the highest environmental standards. Dumbarton Road also features on-site management, including wardens and an out-of-hours call centre to deal with any emergencies relating to anti-social behaviour and security.
