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Topping-Out Ceremony Marks Major Milestone at University of Staffordshire Student Village

By Alan Yakoub – 3rd September 2025

The delivery of University of Staffordshire’s new Student Village reached a major milestone in August 2025, with a topping-out ceremony held for the Village Hub.

Representatives from Corstorphine & Wright, Willmott Dixon, HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions (UK & Ireland) Ltd, and Staffordshire University came together on site to celebrate the Hub reaching its highest point.

The Student Village is set to transform the campus experience, blending contemporary sustainable design with the unique natural landscape.

Once complete, it will provide high-quality accommodation alongside a new social heart for the University community.

The Village Hub

The four-storey Village Hub sits at the edge of the masterplan, positioned to connect directly with the Catalyst building via a new bridge and boardwalk. Designed as the 24/7 heart of the Student Village, it will provide flexible spaces for study, socialising, and wellbeing.

Built into the hillside, the Hub showcases innovative structural design by Ramboll with exposed concrete at the lower levels providing an earthy architectural character. Above, the superstructure is formed from Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glulam beams manufactured by Wiehag — a sustainable approach that reduces embodied carbon while creating warm, welcoming interiors.

The façade incorporates high-performance curtain walling featuring Okalux glazing with a copper mesh inlay, designed to passively control solar gain and improve comfort, while reducing energy use.

Cluster Blocks and Townhouses

Significant progress has also been made across the student accommodation buildings:

All four cluster blocks are fully constructed, with internal fit-out now underway. Their efficient Light Gauge Steel Frame (LGSF) structures reduce material use, enable off-site precision manufacturing, and improve sustainability.
Windows were factory-fitted to enhance airtightness, minimise heat loss, and ensure long-term performance.
The two townhouse blocks are also complete to roof level, combining brickwork with lightweight cladding to deliver variety while maintaining cohesion with the wider scheme.

Clarice Cliff Court Refurbishment

Alongside new construction, the refurbishment of Clarice Cliff Court is progressing well. Phase 2 has been completed on time for students moving in for the 2025/26 academic year, following the successful delivery of Phase 1 last year. Works include upgraded interiors, bathrooms, services, and refreshed façades, transforming the existing buildings into contemporary, high-quality student accommodation.

A Landmark Development:

Once complete, University of Staffordshire Student Village hub will deliver a Net Zero Carbon in Operation (NZCiO) development, combining innovative design, sustainable construction, and a strong sense of place.

The topping-out of the Village Hub marks not just a construction milestone, but an important step towards creating a thriving student community rooted in sustainability, wellbeing, and design excellence.

Below is a selection of interior visuals by Corstorphine & Wright showing the design intent for the village hub:

From left to right

From top to bottom

Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s ground floor entrance area (Visual by C&W), Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s event space (Visual by C&W), Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s first floor reception area (Visual by C&W)

From left to right

From top to bottom

Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s main staircase (Visual by C&W), Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s main staircase (Visual by C&W), Corstorphine & Wright’s impression of the Hub’s main entrance/ lobby (Visual by C&W)