Milestone comes 12 months after financial close on the Passivhaus student accommodation scheme 

Together UPP, the University of Exeter, and Bouygues UK have celebrated the topping out of the first two buildings at the new West Park development on the University’s Streatham Campus. The milestone comes 12 months after UPP and the University reached financial close on the project. It is a visible sign of progress on one of Europe’s largest Passivhaus student accommodation schemes. 

Upon completion, West Park will provide 1,849 beds, comprising newly built accommodation in the west area of the Streatham Campus, and refurbishment of existing accommodation at Birks Grange Village. The scheme is on track to welcome its first students into phase one for September 2027, with full occupation by September 2028. 

Willmore Iles Architects and Architype designed the new West Park buildings to be Passivhaus certified. The new buildings will be gas-free, with heat and electricity being supplied by air source heat pumps and roof mounted solar panels. The development is also accredited to the WELL Community Standard, which certifies that the design has a positive impact on residents’ health and wellbeing across seven key areas. 

Elaine Hewitt, UPP CEO, said:

“Seeing the first buildings top out just a year after financial close is a big moment for everyone involved. It reflects the strength of our partnership with the University of Exeter, which began in 2009, and the close working relationship with Bouygues UK on site. At UPP we are committed to transforming the way students live and learn on campus and this development will help the next generation of students thrive. West Park, being both Passivhaus certified and accredited to the WELL Community Standard is a fantastic example of our joint partnership commitment to sustainability.” 

Dave Stacey, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Divisional Director of Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services at the University of Exeter, said:  

“It is fantastic to see the transformation of the west side of our Streatham Campus. The accommodation blocks have taken shape quickly and it’s a huge milestone to top out the first blocks 12 months after we kicked off the project on site.  

“I look forward to welcoming students into the first phase of the modern, low carbon homes next September. The vibrant community spaces will create an environment where students can feel connected, supported and able to flourish throughout their university journey. Building to Passivhaus standards, the new accommodation also supports our ambitious aims to increase energy efficiency and carbon neutrality on campus and leads the way for university accommodation across the country.” 

 Philippe Bernard, Chair and CEO of Bouygues UK, added:

"Topping out is a significant milestone that demonstrates that our partnership is delivering with confidence and is on track to welcome students in September 2027. Student accommodation shapes how students live, learn and build their communities. That's why we approach every project with genuine purpose. At West Park, we've applied our expertise in managing complexity across design, sustainability and delivery to create genuinely lasting environments where students will thrive for years to come. 

“Just as important is the lasting value we're creating in Exeter itself. Through our work with schools, Exeter College, local charities and employment partners, we've opened genuine pathways into construction careers for people who might never have considered them." 

UPP has partnered with the University of Exeter since 2009 and currently operates 4,130 beds across three schemes on the Streatham Campus. The growth of the partnership through the West Park project demonstrates UPP’s ability to support universities to invest in refurbishing their existing estate as well as in new developments. This latest project at West Park sees UPP design, build, finance and operate the new residences as well as retrofitted rooms.