Plans for an innovative mixed use scheme providing much needed student accommodation and modern employment space in Penryn has been given the go ahead.
The scheme, known as Studytel Penryn will see land on Parkengue Road in the Kernick Industrial Estate redeveloped. This will be the first Studytel development in the UK with the company planning on rolling out its new design, build and operate (in partnership with Sodexo) platform across the rest of the country with a further 6 developments currently in the pipeline.
The new scheme, which was recently approved by Cornwall Council, will include a mix of self-contained studios and cluster apartments with shared kitchen and communal space, for more than 500 students.
The accommodation will be complemented by a unique concept space called the Winter Garden Library®, this will comprise of a flexible space for both students and business start-ups to use which will encourage collaborative working. Studytel Penryn will also include a café, business units and meeting spaces.
Gary Wilkinson, from Studytel the company behind the scheme, said “We are absolutely delighted with the decision by Cornwall Council.
“We have spent 18 months working with the authority, Falmouth University and the University of Exeter and the local community to deliver a scheme that will provide many benefits to the local and wider economy.
“Studytel Penryn represents a new and exciting approach to student accommodation. As well as providing high quality, thoughtful living space, the development will encourage partnerships and working relationships between the academic and business areas within the Winter Garden Library.
“This is a scheme focused to the future. It will stimulate academic excellence and business creativity, as well as safeguard key employment land and has the potential to help deliver over £835 million of economic benefit for Cornwall.”
Peter Cox , Chief Operating Officer of Falmouth University, said, “Given the site’s close proximity to the University’s campus we believe this scheme is ideal for housing members of our student population.
“We’ve been working very closely with Studytel and this development will help the University deliver its expansion plans in a sustainable way, as well as enable our students to access the campus and our services easily.”
Ward Councillor and Chairman of Cornwall Council, Mary May said, “I have been working closely with Studytel on the proposals for 18 months to ensure we achieved the best in design and materials as well as the inclusion of quality business space. The development offers the opportunity to revitalise the industrial estate and help deliver tangible, long lasting social and economic benefits to the local area.”
This first phase of Studytel Penryn is due to open to students at the start of the academic year 2020, with another 2 potential phases to follow. The company also has plans to expand its operations across the UK and in to continental Europe. The company is now welcoming contractors expressions of interest via www.studytel.com.
