Works Begin on Southampton PBSA Refurb

The project will deliver thirteen new student studio apartments across three residential blocks and four floors, created by converting previously unused areas adjacent to block staircases and an underutilised ground floor section within Block A. When complete, the scheme will add meaningful bed capacity to an established facility, without requiring new-build footprint beyond a modest single-storey extension to the existing management suite.

Board Director Simon Cowell, Project Manager Darren Gaskill and SHEQ Senior Manager Andrew Cooper visited the site recently as planning work continues to develop and finalise Shore's approach to the project. 

A central focus of that visit was working through the practical logistics of construction within an occupied building, where student residents will remain in situ throughout the works.

Construction in occupied student accommodation

Operating within a live student accommodation environment places particular demands on how a project is planned and sequenced. Shared access routes, stairwells and communal facilities will remain in use throughout, which means the construction programme has to be designed around the people living there, not just the works themselves.

Shore Construction’s pre-start phase is focused on establishing the right conditions: confirming the sequencing of works block by block, identifying where temporary access controls and hoarding are needed, setting noise management protocols around academic and residential routines, and making sure welfare arrangements for site staff don't impinge on resident areas. Considerate construction in this type of environment is not an afterthought; it has to be built into the programme from the outset.

PBSA Scope of works

The refurbishment programme extends across Blocks A, B and C, with new studio apartments being created on the first, second and third floors of each block. Each new studio involves a sequence of enabling works, structural alterations, mechanical and electrical first and second fix, new en-suite formation, window replacement, drylining, plastering, floor finishes, fitted furniture and final decoration.

Beyond the new studios, the project scope includes upgrades to existing shower facilities across the blocks, laundry room refurbishments on each block's upper floors, common room refurbishment, and plant room improvements across Blocks A, B and C. The mechanical and electrical scope covers upgrades to life safety systems, ventilation, and building services infrastructure throughout.

Pre-construction appointments are being finalised across the consultant team, including architect, structural engineer, drainage engineer, fire engineer, and mechanical and electrical design. Asbestos surveys and structural surveys are either complete or underway, alongside procurement of key trade contractors to support the programme.

Main Contractor PBSA Programme

The target programme, prepared by Shore Construction’s planning team runs from mid-May 2026 through to early October 2026, with construction works commencing in June following the completion of enabling works, design development and procurement. Works are phased block by block to manage disruption, with Block C progressing first, followed by Block B and Block A.

Green Wood Court is one of a number of student accommodation projects delivered by Shore Construction across its growing PBSA portfolio.