Project overview
Sendrig Construction successfully transformed a historic listed building, the former County Court in Sunderland, into Botanical View Court - a modern, high-quality student accommodation facility. The project included a full refurbishment of the existing structure and the addition of a contemporary extension at the rear, delivering 43 en-suite apartments complete with cooking facilities.
Key works
- Complete internal refurbishment, including restoration of the building fabric to meet listed building consent requirements
- Full mechanical and electrical design and installation to upgrade all services
- Creation of a three-storey, fully non-combustible extension over the former car park at the court
- Reconfiguration of the internal layout to provide 43 apartments, including:
- Introduction of a new mezzanine level to maximise space within high-ceiling areas
- Installation of en-suite bathrooms and tea points in each room to provide cooking facilities
Experience gained
- Balancing the challenges of working within a listed building while delivering modern, high-class amenities
- Meeting tight deadlines to ensure completion in time for the 2023/2024 student intake
- Adapting the structure to create additional rooms and facilities without compromising its historical integrity
- Managing a complex city-centre location with logistical and environmental constraints
Outcome
The project was delivered on schedule and met all programme milestones. The result was a state-of-the-art student accommodation facility that has been praised by Sunderland City Council for setting a new quality benchmark for future developments.
