Bristol’s newest landmark: Orchard Heights – 24 September 2015

The University of Bristol and Bristol-based accommodation provider Unite Students are delighted to announce their new co-branded student property on historic Trenchard Street: Orchard Heights.

The 484-bed property is built above popular music venue O2 Academy Bristol, demanding ingenious engineering to prevent students being disturbed by the concerts.

Construction required creation of a ‘transfer deck’ – a 45-metre slab of special concrete sitting above the arena – carrying the 25,000 tonnes of weight to the ground and foundations. 

Pru Lawrence-Archer, head of accommodation services at the University of Bristol, said: “The University has worked in partnership with Unite to meet the needs of students living in the city centre for study and social space. 

“We are very proud to be opening a first class facility that incorporates a music room, kitchen, breakout rooms and over 800 square metres of social and study space.”

Orchard Heights is fully booked for the 2015-16 academic year. All students have access to 25MB Wi-Fi, a fortnightly kitchen and living space cleaning service and all utility bills included in their rent.

Unite Students managing director of Operations, Richard Smith, said: “Orchard Heights our first Unite Students property in Bristol since we opened Phoenix Court in 2007.

“Unite started in this city and with our 25th anniversary next year it’s hugely gratifying to see our latest property co-branded with the University of Bristol. I believe that reflects the trust we’ve earned in that time.”

Unite Students is the UK’s largest and most experienced student accommodation provider. It has a business purpose of providing a ‘Home for Success’.

Over 3,400 of Bristol’s students – around 10% of the total – make Unite their home in 15 properties.