GRAHAM has marked a significant milestone in the construction of the LIV Student Belfast complex with a “topping out” ceremony.
Representatives from the privately-owned contractor gathered on-site at the York Street project with senior management from developers, Valeo Group, to celebrate the installation of the highest fixing of the project, which will be one of the largest student accommodation developments in Belfast.
The £35.9m scheme will support the new Ulster University campus in the city centre and is scheduled for completion in September 2021. Ranging from 12 to 14 storeys, LIV Student Belfast will provide 576 en-suite bedrooms; 141 studios; shared communal areas and kitchens; retail units; a ground floor carpark; and landscaped courtyard areas.
Jonathan Hall, GRAHAM Regional Managing Director, said:
“It is a tremendous achievement for our team, in partnership with Valeo, to have reached the topping out milestone. The quality of the build to this point has been exceptional, and I am confident the prospective students who will come to live and study within the high-end complex will be impressed by the exemplar design, and the innovative incorporation of internal and external communal space.
“We are proud to be working alongside Valeo to realise its vision of developing these contemporary residences that will enhance the well-being of students, and help to transform their learning experience.”
GRAHAM was appointed by Valeo to deliver the LIV Student complex in April 2019, with groundworks beginning shortly after in July 2019. Since then over 10,000m3 of concrete has been poured, while a range of water conservation measures, such as reusing water to make more concrete in a closed loop, have been successfully introduced.
John Kenny, Chief Executive, Valeo Management Europe (owners and operators of LIV Student), said:
“We’re thrilled to support Ulster University’s exciting new campus and address the city’s need for high quality homes for a new generation of Ulster’s students. LIV Student Belfast is the next generation of student accommodation, purpose-built with great amenities and designed to improve their overall student experience. I’m delighted with the progress of LIV Student Belfast; today’s topping out ceremony is a significant landmark in the construction of this exceptional building and an exciting new step for LIV Student.”
LIV Student Belfast is one of a number of major GRAHAM projects in Belfast city centre, which include the 35,000 sq ft refurbishment and fit out of Eagle Star House; the recently completed Erskine House for HMRC; and Little Patrick Street student accommodation, which is an 11-storey purpose built property comprising of 430 beds in a mix of cluster and studio bedrooms.
