estate strategy 2007-2017 - Publication Scheme - University of Stirling

estate priorities in the context of the strategic planSUSA has expressed the view that Universityaccommodation is often preferable as it offers acheaper, more secure service than many privateaccommodation providers in the local area. SUSAbelieves that choice is essential and where studentsopt to rent in the private sector, it is vital thatthey have access to informed advice and supportthrough the University.Appendix 4 provides more detail on the residentialestate, the refurbishment work carried out todate and that still required. It also presents theresults of an option appraisal on the way forwardwith student accommodation. The advantages,disadvantages and cost of the following six optionswere considered:1. Maintain the current portfolio without furthercapital investment (do nothing)2. Maintain the current portfolio and invest toensure compliance with legislation only3. Maintain current portfolio and invest toupgrade provision, retaining existing spatialarrangements i.e. no additional ensuite orprivate facilities4. Maintain current portfolio and invest toupgrade provision to meet student and nonstudentexpectations including remodelling tofurther increase ensuite and private facilities5. Change scope and size of existing estate -2 sub optionsA. Refurbish on-campus accommodation,dispose of off-campus accommodation andextend Alexander Court;B. Refurbish on-campus accommodation,dispose of off-campus accommodationand seek a nomination agreement witha private provider6. Consider transfer of all or some accommodationto a third party providerThe costs of these options range from £1.5m to£20m (Annex C, Appendix 4). A number wouldlead to reducing revenue streams over time asthe uptake of accommodation dwindles and itsdeteriorating quality means that Stirling becomesa less attractive option for out of semesterconferences and events.Taking into account the importance of residentialaccommodation to a campus university’s offerand the potential contribution to the studentexperience, it is recommended that the Universityshould focus on the on-campus facilities andinvest enough to bring all of this accommodationto a good standard. To enable this option 5B isrecommended at a total cost of £12.5m. Thisoption would mean the disposal of an off-campusUniversity owned residence (John Forty’s Court),probably for non-student business. The sale wouldgenerate a cash receipt in the region of £8mwhich would form a significant contribution tothe refurbishment of on-campus accommodation,and would also avoid the additional cost ofrefurbishment of John Forty’s Court in thelonger-term. If it is necessary to offset the loss ofresidential capacity which would result from thedisposal and further refurbishment on-campus, theUniversity could enter into a nomination agreementwith a private provider. The University would wishto influence the quality of provision and servicestandards if this option were pursued.42