Property developers Fusion Students has completed the conversion of a multi-tenanted office building in Bristol into high-end contemporary residential accommodation with bed spaces for 480 students.
The multi-million pound redevelopment of the 15-storey, 91,335 sq ft Fusion Tower – formerly known as Froomsgate House – on Rupert Street in the centre of the city includes the addition of two storeys to the roof level.
Fusion Tower, which was acquired by Fusion Students in 2013, accommodated some students during the last academic year but is now fully available (it is currently 100 per cent let from September, mostly to University of Bristol and UWE students).
In addition to offering occupants living space – studio rooms, three- to six-bedroom apartments, studio flats and twin ‘two-dios’ – the building includes open study rooms, breakout spaces, a private gym, games areas, a cinema, a laundry, a concierge service and off-street parking.
The building, which was built in 1971, has also achieved a BREEAM “Excellent” rating through the design standards and façade upgrade works. Photovoltaic panels have been incorporated together with the capability to connect to the Bristol district heating plant in the future.
Hertfordshire-based Fusion Students – part of the Fusion group of companies – is currently developing further bespoke accommodation to more than 2,000 students in Cardiff, Newcastle and Nottingham. Its aim is to increase the total number to 10,000 by 2024.
Fusion Students was advised on the Fusion Tower redevelopment by the construction team at leading commercial law firm Thrings, led by partner Eric Livingston, and supported by associate solicitor Natalia Sokolov and solicitor Tyler Buckley.
Thrings drafted and negotiated a full suite of construction documents, including a bespoke JCT building contract with main contractors VINCI Construction, consultant appointments, novation agreements and collateral warranties. All negotiations of the documentation were also completed in accordance with the requirements of investment funders, Cheyne Capital.
Warren Rosenberg, co-founder of Fusion Students, said: “The Fusion experience goes beyond stylish buildings and luxury amenities.
“We strive to provide our residents with the new generation of design-led accommodation which is designed primarily around social spaces to appeal to the taste of modern-day students. Our first priority is positively improving the lives of our student residents.”
Eric Livingston added: “Bristol remains a hugely popular learning destination, but while elite universities in the UK continue to attract record numbers of students, so expectations about the standard of accommodation continue to rise.
“Fusion Tower reflects the growing demand for more superior quality accommodation as well as the changing requirements of the domestic and international student market. Students based in other parts of the UK and overseas who may find it difficult to visit university residences will also be able to view the living spaces online, which makes the process of securing high-end accommodation in Bristol reassuringly straightforward.
“Thrings is very pleased to be playing a part in the ongoing regeneration of Bristol city centre, and as a firm, we look forward to working with Fusion Students on its pipeline of development schemes in the student accommodation sector in the future.”
Other firms advising Fusion Students on the Fusion Tower redevelopment included architects, Corstorphine + Wright, quantity surveyors, McCreadies, and mechanical and electrical consultants, Amber Management.
