News

Student accommodation upgrade

Sir Michael Dixon Cutting red Ribbon in hallway in front of open flat door

Principal Sir Michael Dixon marking the official opening

Green Templeton officially opened its first major upgrade of student accommodation in recent years on Wednesday 17 November.

Twelve flats at the college Rewley Abbey Court site near the Said Business School were completely gutted and refitted between July and October. The stairwells were fully enclosed and uPVC double glazing installed. The project incorporated both major building works and fully furnishing and equipping flats. Importantly, it also made significant upgrades to the sustainability credentials, as well as to technology and security.

Being one stairwell of four, the strategy is to complete all of the flats at Rewley Abbey Court over a number of years. This upgrade not only provides the accommodation our students of the future expect, but also makes it easier to keep fully occupied with less ongoing maintenance. Green Templeton is grateful to the College Contributions Fund for its support of this project.

The refurbished accommodation was officially opened in November at reception in the new stairwell where members of the Building Committee and the contractors joined new residents.

kitchen with big silver fridege-freezer
The living rooms offer seating and dining space for everyday living and entertaining small groups
The kitchen equipment and boilers have been upgraded
Kitchens now come fully equipped ready for our international community of students to live comfortably from day one
Most bathrooms have moved from bathtubs to showers in line with student demand, though provision is mixed to allow student choice including for those with families
A study-bedroom with upgraded integrated wardrobe
Artist-in-Residence Weimin He provided β€˜A Summer’s Day’ for each of the twelve flats. By picturing the Observatory Gardens on the Woodstock Road site it establishes an everyday connection between the college sites
The new interior stairwells offer and a warm and welcoming arrival back home, as well as a place to chat with neighbours. Vacuum cleaners are now provided on each floor to service student needs in this independent-living accommodation
A central feature of the renovation was the installation of external doors and windows to the stairwells. This will have a big impact on the environmental and financial cost of heating, as well as providing increased security
Created: 3 December 2021