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£14 million student accommodation project begins in Newcastle city centre

The Newcastle office of GB Building Solutions (GBBS) has commenced work at Blandford Square, Newcastle city centre, with the construction of two student accommodation blocks valued at £14 million.

GBBS’ client, Nixon Homes, was pleased to see the arrival of the large tower crane this week which signified a key milestone in the 371-bedroom flagship construction project.

The project comprises two wings overlooking St James Boulevard named Westgate and Blandford, which are both within walking distance of the universities and set for completion for the new intake of students in 2015.

The tight programme and inner city site has seen GBBS work closely with the surrounding residents to ensure business can continue as usual and disruptions are kept to a minimum, one of the closest buildings being that of the Discovery Museum, whose 1934 building entrance is shared with the busy site.

The large tower crane arrived on site during the completion of the piling works adding a new aspect to the skyline around the west end of the city.

The project is on track to be completed by August 2015 for York based Nixon Homes after approval was granted back in August.

Regional managing director of GBBS, Marie Buckingham, said: “There are great signs the construction industry is recovering and the continued growth centred around the education sector in the north east demonstrates this perfectly.

“We are delighted to be able to contribute to the regeneration of the west end of the city with this sustainable development which is rated as BREEAM Very Good and that contrasts well with the established grade II listed Discovery Museum next door.

“Given the complicated constraints surrounding the site, it is one of our most challenging north east projects.”

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