University outlines when student housing redevelopment work will start

University of Southampton saw its contentious proposals for the vacant South Stoneham House and Connaught Halls sites approved by city councillors this week.

The scheme features 1,108 student bedspaces, including the refurbishment of the Grade II*-listed manor house and redevelopment of the old and new quad at Connaught.

Professor Phillip Wright, university acting vice president and vice chancellor, said: “The redevelopment of Wessex Lane represents an opportunity to breathe life into a building of significant national and local interest.

“It will also provide benefits in terms of access and enhanced transport links for the local community and for future students.

“As a university, we take pride in being able to continually evolve our accommodation offer to meet future student demand.

“We thank our local community for their feedback and will continue to work with them as the scheme progresses.”

Building work is due to start later this year with the development brought forward alongside student housing partner Aspire Consortium.

It is hoped students will occupy the site by 2029.

Kevin Argent, university executive director of estates and facilities, said: “This development will enable the future growth of the University by providing high quality accommodation and wellbeing support on site for students.

“It will allow us to reinvigorate our existing site to provide modern facilities for our student community, whilst maintaining the infrastructure of our historic buildings.

“We look forward to breaking ground soon.”