The University of Exeter has launched a prior information notice for the redevelopment of student accommodation with low-carbon purpose-built facilities with an expected investment of about GBP125 million (US$161 million). 

The proposed plan includes the demolition of the facility in the Clydesdale and Nash Grove area and builds new, low-carbon student living facilities built to the Passivhaus standard, designed to make better use of available space; the conversion of catered to self-catered accommodation in the Birks Grange Village complex built to the Passivhaus EnerPHit standard; the redevelopment of the Birks Grange Central Block into further accommodation and supporting social facilities, including shop; the removal of the Estate Services Centre, including greenhouses and storage buildings, from Birks Bank to expand student accommodation in this area; and the relocation of the Estate Services Centre to the top of Rennes Drive, northeast of Car Park B. Green Waste Site.

The University intends to run an EU competitive dialogue process to procure a partner who will design, build, finance and operate the scheme. Prior to this exercise, the University wishes to engage with the market in order to appraise itself of current practices, new technology, sustainable construction methods and constructability in this area.

In particular, the university wishes to look at Project programming, risk profiling of the UOE Estates Services Centre works and where this best sits contractually, and the Passivhaus and EnerPHit construction methods.

Interested parties in assisting the University to undertake the process can provide a brief description of the organization it represents and contact details to procurement@exeter.ac.uk with the header clearly stating the reference UOE/2020/011.

The University will approach a broad spectrum of the market, however, it may not approach everyone who submits information. This will not preclude you from taking part in the subsequent procurement exercise.