UPP’s genuine university partnerships have secured its position as a leading adviser to the HE sector. A strong communications strategy and collaborative research continue to support the company in its ambitious plans for the future.
Media Centre
01/07/2010 - Construction Starts on UPP Scheme at Nottingham Trent University
Construction has started on a new UPP development at Nottingham Trent University, which will deliver a new 727 room student accommodation scheme at the Clifton Campus. This sustainable campus infrastructure project is UPP’s third project with Nottingham Trent University, where UPP now operates the majority of the student accommodation on-campus. Following the successful completion of this project, UPP will have invested almost a third of a billion pounds in the UK Higher Education sector since the beginning of academic year 2009.
The latest redevelopment at Nottingham Trent University will see some of the existing student accommodation and ancillary academic support facilities on the Clifton Campus replaced with new, attractive, high quality student accommodation. Working in partnership with the University, UPP will handle the construction, operation, facilities management and maintenance of the scheme and the site will be managed 24 hours a day by UPP’s experienced UPP Residential Services Ltd (URSL) team. VINCI Construction UK, UPP’s construction partner on this project, has today begun work on the scheme, which is scheduled for completion in time to be operational at the start of academic year 2011/12.
UPP are working with youth charity The Prince’s Trust to train 15 young people and provide the opportunity for a number of apprenticeships through their Get into Construction course. The Prince’s Trust Get into Construction course supports young people who faced barriers to get into work, education and training and are interested in a career in construction.
Professor Neil Gorman, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, said: “This exciting development reinforces our partnership with UPP and will provide great new accommodation for our students. The scheme will deliver investment and forms part of our ongoing refurbishment programme at the Clifton Campus.”
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said: “This project is a great example of how UPP’s bespoke partnership approach helps universities to achieve their strategic objectives. Having worked in partnership with Nottingham Trent University for almost a decade, we’re pleased to be delivering this new, sustainable infrastructure at the Clifton Campus which will further improve the student experience. Bringing this project forward has been a major achievement and I’d like to thank everyone involved, at every stage of the process, from the University community to the investors, the Council and our dedicated staff.”
Adrian Olsen, Managing Director & Head of Global Project Finance at Bank of Ireland, said: "Bank of Ireland is delighted to have backed this project with Nottingham Trent University and UPP. The development, involving a leading UK university, will deliver investment secured on forecast long-term revenue streams and we look forward to working with UPP again in the future.”
Peter Branson, Prince’s Trust East Midlands Regional Director, said: “The Prince’s Trust is delighted to be supported by UPP, as these strong partnerships enable The Trust to help even more young people across the UK. UPP is committed to offering training and apprenticeship opportunities in the communities where they work. This will give many young people an amazing opportunity to turn their life around.”
The project forms part of the University’s plans to create an inspiring and innovative environment to match the aspirations of its students and staff, now and into the future. The scheme responds to the demand for high quality on-campus accommodation at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus and will help to ensure the University continues to attract a high volume of students in years to come. The scheme was developed in consultation with stakeholders and the local community and will help to reduce pressure on housing stock elsewhere in the City.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager MCIPR, Nottingham Trent University
Direct line: +44 (0)115 848 8774
Out of office hours: +44 (0)7884 475059
Email:
Martha Dalton, Fran O’Leary or Ian Lindsley, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
1. University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of the UPP Group of companies. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation schemes. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
2. UPP Residential Services Ltd (URSL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of UPP and delivers management services to UPP’s operational companies and ensures smooth operation of our student accommodation schemes from day one, URSL delivers a full range of services bespoke to each University partnership. These services include hard and soft facilities management services, marketing and revenue management all of which URSL refines to meet its client needs.
3. Nottingham Trent University is ranked 1st amongst universities in the 2009 Green League for our environmental commitment. We have 24,000 students and are investing £130 million across our three campuses to create an inspiring learning environment.
4. Youth charity The Prince's Trust helps change young lives. It gives practical and financial support, developing key workplace skills such as confidence and motivation. It works with 14- to 30-year-olds who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.
The Prince of Wales’s charity has helped more than 600,000 young people since 1976 and supports over 100 more each working day. More than three in four young people The Trust helped last year moved into work, education or training. Further information about The Prince’s Trust is available at www.princes-trust.org.uk or on 0800 842 842.
5. VINCI Construction UK is part of VINCI, the world leader in concessions and construction. VINCI has a turnover of €31.9 billion and employs 162,000 people in 100 countries around the world.
6. The redevelopment site is located within the Clifton Campus, off the A453 trunk road, between the northern main entrance gate of the campus and the existing central gates. The scheme will provide a mixture of additional and replacement accommodation which will enable more students to live on campus as opposed to seeking accommodation in the town centre. The scheme has been designed so that it will complement existing building and land use to ensure that students have excellent access to teaching along with recreational and support facilities on campus. The new buildings will be arranged in clusters of flats to create a community feel, each containing between six to eight bedrooms, along with 151 self contained studio units. The development will also include a central management suite, reception, staff offices and launderette. In addition to this, green landscaped gardens and open space have been incorporated in designs.
7. The development has been designed by Church Lukas. For further information please see: http://www.churchlukas.com/ . By receipt of this information you have had approval to commercially publish, exhibit or include in photography or film, images of this project on the strict condition and notice that the author (Church Lukas) is legibly identified as a credit to the image or alternatively, with prior approval from CHURCH LUKAS, incorporated within the article or commentary. Identification can be one of the following: “By Church Lukas”; “Designed by Church Lukas”; “Design – Church Lukas”; or “Architects – Church Lukas”.
16/06/2010 - Chief Exec outlines UPP’s role in universities’ efforts to cut CO2 emissions
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, today outlined the role of private sector investment in enabling universities to achieve their target of reducing CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. He announced that UPP, the leading provider of campus infrastructure, student accommodation and asset management services, has now invested almost a third of a billion pounds in sustainable university developments during academic year 2009/10.
The event, entitled ‘How are universities driving environmental progress?’ was organised by the 1994 Group of the leading research-intensive universities, in partnership with UPP. The event took place in association with ‘Universities Week: What’s the big idea?’, an initiative to celebrate the UK’s higher education achievements.
The event was chaired by John O’Leary, Editor of the Times Good University Guide and Editor of Policy Review Magazine. Sean O’Shea appeared on a panel alongside Professor Paul Wellings, Chair, 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University and Professor Nigel Arnell, Director, Walker Institute for Climate System Research, University of Reading.
Speaking at the debate, Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“Universities are at the forefront of the climate change debate but, to achieve their carbon emissions target, a significant amount of capital expenditure is required. It is of fundamental importance that universities are adequately funded in order to be able to achieve the target. The benefits are not only to the sector but to the UK as a whole in terms of moulding sustainable behaviour for the future. This academic year, we have invested almost a third of a billion pounds into university Eco Residence developments, which reduce the carbon footprint of the build by 30%. We look forward to continuing to play our part in delivering private funding for the sector, along with sustainable development.”
Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications at the 1994 Group, said:
“One of the most valuable contributions that our universities make to society is the central role they play in driving forward environmental progress. World-leading researchers at 1994 Group universities are finding solutions to local, national and global environmental challenges. Our universities are developing greener campuses and buildings, reducing their carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources. Universities are working with students and local communities to build environmental awareness. Our leading academics are contributing to national and international environmental policy-making. We look forward to continuing to find opportunities to lead national and global environmental progress.”
The Higher Education Funding Council for England, in its Grant letter from 2008, suggested that there will be a clear linkage in the allocation of capital funding against a Carbon Reduction Plan. HEFCE, Universities UK and GuildHE have also set out sector-level targets to reduce carbon emissions by at least 34% by 2020, as well as by 80% by 2050 (against a 1990 baseline).
The event was attended by 25 senior representatives across the environmental, business, policy, architecture and higher education sectors.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Martha Dalton, Fran O’Leary, David Reilly, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
1. UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
www.upp-ltd.com
2. UPP’s Eco Residences
As part of UPP’s commitment to the environment, the company has developed a pioneering Eco Residence model that is now being used by a number of universities around the country to provide sustainable student accommodation. The groundbreaking design was developed in collaboration with Dr Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill University in Montreal and marks a giant step forward in sustainable development within the HE sector. UPP has developed Eco Residences in partnership with the following institutions: University of Kent; Lancaster University; Leeds Metropolitan University ; University of Exeter (in development). The Eco Residence model now sets the standard for sustainable campus infrastructure. By using environmentally-friendly products and off-site construction methods, the UPP Eco Residence approach can reduce the carbon footprint of the build by 30%. UPP constantly strives to drive new innovation and industry best practice through Eco Residence construction projects, making use of the latest techniques and sustainability measures.
3. The 1994 Group
The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 12 of the top 20 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published in May 2010. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York. For further information on the 1994 Group, please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group - Tel: 07779 232731 - Email:
4. ‘Universities Week: What’s the big idea?’
To find out more about this initiative, please see: www.universitiesweek.org.uk
14/05/2010 - University of Kent chooses UPP to deliver multi-million pound campus revamp
UPP has today been selected as preferred bidder to deliver new student accommodation at the University of Kent, in a further demonstration of the popularity of UPP’s partnership approach amongst UK universities. The £26 million project will be UPP’s second development at Kent and, once the latest transaction is completed, UPP will have invested over £50 million in the University since 2008. Under previous schemes, UPP has delivered 544 student rooms following UPP’s award winning Eco Residence model, a 470 seat lecture theatre, a communal pavilion and teaching and conference facilities.
As the UK’s leading provider of campus infrastructure and asset management services, UPP will fund, design, develop and operate the new on-campus 495 room Eco Residence scheme. Construction is provisionally scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2010 and, once completed, UPP will have delivered over 1,039 new on-campus rooms for the University. Having already drawn over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK Higher Education sector to date, the details of UPP’s latest transaction with the University of Kent will be finalised in the coming months. Once the transaction has been completed, UPP will have invested almost £300 million in the sector since the beginning of academic year 2009, at a time when Government funding for university capital projects is being cut.
The new development will provide students with affordable, high quality accommodation which will improve the student experience. The scheme will help to address the increasing demand for places at the University, which saw a 20% rise in applications during 2009, and now has some 19,000 students from 140 countries. UPP’s partnership with the University of Kent began in 2008 and the University is now one of the highest scoring universities, in terms of student satisfaction, in The Times Good University Guide and amongst the leading universities in the UK.
Professor Keith Mander, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Kent, said: “We are delighted to be working with UPP again and hope to replicate the success of Woolf College (our first new residential College for 35 years) which opened for postgraduate students in 2008. Our new project – to provide a significant extension to Keynes College – will provide much-needed residential accommodation for undergraduates and conference delegates at the heart of our Canterbury campus.”
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said: “Having worked in partnership with the University of Kent for a number of years, we’re delighted that the University has now selected us to provide additional campus infrastructure. This is a real testament to the strength of our partnership approach; our asset based cash flows offer attractive, low-risk investment opportunities and long-term, predictable income streams based on rental income. Increasing numbers of people are applying to leading universities like the University of Kent and we’re pleased to be providing a solution which enhances the student experience, reduces carbon emissions and provides private sector investment.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Fran O’Leary, Ian Lindsley or Martha Dalton,
Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
24/03/2010 - UPP & King’s College London Get the Go-Ahead in Southwark
King’s College London, working with University Partnerships Programme (UPP), was last night granted planning permission for a major scheme that will deliver modern and sustainable accommodation for its students. Much of the existing accommodation at the Champion Hill site in Southwark, South London, will be demolished to make way for 740 new or refurbished eco-friendly rooms. The magnificent Victorian ‘Platanes’ building on site will be retained and refurbished.
This new accommodation will reduce energy consumption and ensure substantial CO2 savings. The scheme, which received unanimous consent from the Council’s Planning Committee, will deliver significant improvements to the environmental performance of the site, as well as an increase in green amenity space. Photovoltaic panels on the roofs, a combined heat and power installation, low energy fittings, and heat recovery systems will cut energy consumption levels and help to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 77 percent per student.
Rainwater recycling and a sustainable urban drainage system linked to a series of swales and an ornamental pond will reduce surface water run off twenty fold and, combined with some 30 extra trees that will be planted and additional green spaces, will increase opportunities for wildlife. In addition, construction materials will be chosen on the basis of their sustainability. Timber frames, for example, will be sourced from sustainable and managed forests, which will reduce the carbon footprint of the scheme and effectively ensure that the development is zero carbon for 10 years.
The Grade II Listed ‘Platanes’ building on the site will be sympathetically restored and upgraded but left substantially unchanged and King’s College London has worked closely with local groups, Southwark Council, and independent architectural advisers to make sure that the scheme complements its surroundings. The bricks that will be used will be of similar colour to those on Platanes and white render, which matches the treatment of many features of the 19th Century building’s elevation, will also be utilised.
The new development will bring a much needed increase in capacity for King’s College London, which has over 20,000 students but only 2,653 bedspaces, meaning it can currently provide accommodation for less than 20 percent of its student body.
Professor Rick Trainor, Principal of King’s College London said:
“We are delighted that we have received the go-ahead for this vital project. The redevelopment of the site will help to meet the College’s need for more good quality, affordable and sustainable accommodation. Schemes such as these will allow the College to go on attracting the best students from the UK and across the world.”
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP added:
“We are proud to have helped such a prestigious university as King’s bring forward an exciting, green scheme that will provide much needed high quality accommodation for the College’s students. Sustainability is core to our offering and we lead the higher education sector in delivering energy efficient campus infrastructure. Developments of the kind proposed here have won many awards for their eco credentials and we are confident that King’s scheme will be an award winner too.”
King’s College London is ranked as one of the world’s top 25 universities. It is heavily involved in the Borough of Southwark through its connection with King’s College Hospital, the Institute of Psychiatry and Guy’s Hospital. The scheme will bring considerable benefit for the local area in terms of investment, including a refurbishment of the local Camberwell Baths and upgrades to local public transport infrastructure, including Denmark Hill railway station.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Ben Russell, Martha Dalton, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Alex Bevis, King’s College London
Tel: +44 (0)20 7848 3238
Email:
Notes to Editors
1. The scheme will see the construction of 678 bedrooms, up from the current 464, and refurbishment of 62 others across four buildings. Four new courtyard spaces will be created, with a piazza at the centre and an ornamental pond enclosed by the western accommodation block. 274 covered cycle spaces will be included, with provision made for an additional 118 spaces if required in the future. There will be 12 car parking spaces, including 7 spaces for disabled badge holders, 4 for staff and visitors and one for occasional use. The scheme is designed and specified to achieve ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation and has been given a BREEAM pre-assessment rating of ‘Excellent’.
2. King's College London
King's College London is one of the top 25 universities in the world (Times Higher Education 2009) and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, King's has nearly 23,000 students (of whom more than 8,600 are graduate students) from nearly 140 countries, and some 5,500 employees. King's is in the second phase of a £1 billion redevelopment programme which is transforming its estate.
King's has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of nearly £450 million.
King's has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe; no university has more Medical Research Council Centres.
King's College London and Guy's and St Thomas', King's College Hospital and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trusts are part of King's Health Partners. King's Health Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre (AHSC) is a pioneering global collaboration between one of the world's leading research-led universities and three of London's most successful NHS Foundation Trusts, including leading teaching hospitals and comprehensive mental health services. For more information, visit: http://www.kingshealthpartners.org.
3. University Partnerships Programme (UPP)
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
03/03/2010 - UPP Leeds Metropolitan University Development Becomes UK’s First PassivHaus Student Accommodation Scheme & wins UK BREEAM Award
UPP's innovative Eco Residence at Leeds Metropolitan University has today (3 March 2010) been selected as the UK 2010 BREEAM Award winner in the Multi-Residential category. The BREEAM Awards recognise buildings which demonstrate sustainable design and utilise innovative solutions to minimise environmental impact. Part of the scheme has now been certified as meeting PassivHaus criteria, marking it out as the UK’s first student accommodation facility to achieve this standard of sustainable design.
Carnegie Village, a £26 million 479 bedroom student accommodation scheme, received a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating earlier this year and was built using UPP’s pioneering Eco Residence model. UPP created the Eco Residence model in response to the need for improved environmental performance alongside affordable rent levels. Carnegie Village, on Leeds Metropolitan University’s Headingley Campus, leads the way in sustainable campus infrastructure and was designed by GWP Architecture.
One townhouse block within Carnegie Village achieved Passivhaus certification yesterday (2 March 2010), which is a landmark project for the sector. This building was designed and built using innovative energy efficiency techniques, meaning that conventional heating systems are not required. PassivHaus buildings are widely recognised as meeting the world’s leading standards in energy efficient construction and have been shown to typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing. Initiatives such as this, which reduce carbon emissions, are increasingly relevant for universities because the Higher Education Council for England (HEFCE) has set out that future capital funding for universities will be linked to carbon performance. HEFCE, Universities UK and GuildHE have now established HE sector-level targets to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, and by at least 34% by 2020 (against a 1990 baseline).
Sue Holmes, Director of Estates at Leeds Met, said:
"It is a fantastic achievement to have the national BREEAM Award as well as notification of Passivhaus status for parts of the village. The university is extremely proud of the standard of accommodation on the campus and the feedback from students and conference delegates is that they think it’s fantastic too. It was great a team effort and we’re all delighted with the finished product."
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive, UPP commented:
"We are delighted that our sustainable student accommodation scheme, created in partnership with Leeds Metropolitan University, has won this prestigious award and achieved PassivHaus certification. UPP constantly strives to drive new innovation and industry best practice through our Eco Residence developments, making use of the latest techniques and sustainability measures. We will continue to play our part in helping the HE sector achieve its target of reducing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050."
Martin Townsend, Director of BREEAM for BRE Global said:
"Carnegie Village was one of the highest scoring BREEAM certified buildings last year. BREEAM is used throughout the world to provide visible recognition of a building's sustainability and the development will be a tremendous asset to the site. UPP, Leeds Metropolitan University and the project team have done an exceptional job."
John Wybor, Director of GWP Architecture commented:
"We are very pleased to work with University Partnerships Programme and University partners who are committed to delivering exemplar student residential accommodation which successfully addresses the key issues of sustainability and affordability."
Students living in Carnegie Village can monitor their energy usage by using digital monitoring systems installed in the residences. This technology provides students with the opportunity to manage and improve their own energy efficiency and, in doing so, save money. The Eco Residence is built off-site using sustainably sourced timber, and features high levels of insulation, air tightness and innovative mechanical heat recovery ventilation systems, which help to ensure a low carbon footprint.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Carrie Braithwaite in the News and Media team, Leeds Metropolitan University
Tel: +44 (0)113 812 3022
Email:
Fran O’Leary, Martha Dalton or David Reilly, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
Leeds Metropolitan University
Leeds Metropolitan University has 30,000 students and over 300,000 associate students through its partnerships with 24 colleges.
The University has achieved its best ever Research Assessment Exercise results. Sports-Related Studies is in the top 6 institutions in the country with research rated at the highest levels of 4* and 3*.
The University scored highly in the Times Higher's Student Experience and was ranked 2nd in the category 'Good library and library opening hours'.
Leeds Metropolitan University won the 'Coaching Environment of the Year’ award at the sports coach uk 2008 UK Coaching Awards and was announced as the home of the UK Centre for Coaching Excellence.
The University is home to The UK Centre for Coaching Excellence.
Leeds Met Carnegie is the primary partner of rugby league’s Carnegie Challenge Cup.
The University’s new iconic Rose Bowl building was awarded Best Commercial Property Development in the 2009 Yorkshire Property Awards.
http://www.lmu.ac.uk/
UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
www.upp-ltd.com
GWP Architecture
GWP is a practice of architects, healthcare architects, space planners and interior designers. Founded in 1980 the practice has offices in the UK, Czech Republic and Abu Dhabi.
www.gwp-arch.com/
BREEAM
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance.
The BREEAM Awards recognise and reward those involved in the design and construction of the highest scoring buildings certified under BREEAM that year. A BREEAM ‘EXCELLENT' rating is a pre-qualification, so the winners truly represent the UK's top examples of sustainable design. The awards are not subjective as each development has been independently assessed and certified.
In order to win an award, each building must have excelled in every environmental category within BREEAM (e.g. from Energy to Ecology) and therefore winners represent a holistic approach to delivering environmental sustainability.
www.breeam.org
PassivHaus
The term ‘PassivHaus’ refers to a voluntary, ultra low-energy construction standard first developed by Dr Wolfgang Feist of the Passivhaus Institut Germany.
PassivHaus dwellings are the worlds leading standard in energy efficient construction; are designed and built using a step-by-step approach; use efficient components and a whole house ventilation system to achieve exceptionally low running costs and are comfortable, healthy and sustainable.
PassivHaus dwellings typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to existing housing.
www.passivhaus.org.uk
03/03/2010 - UPP Chief Exec highlights importance of enhancing the student experience
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, today outlined UPP’s role in enhancing the student experience at a high profile policy roundtable debate. The event, entitled ‘How can universities continue to enhance the student experience at a time of higher education funding cuts?’ was organised by the 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities, in partnership with UPP.
In his speech, Mr O’Shea called for further cooperation between the public and private sector to help fill the gap in funding and continue to meet the demands and aspirations of students.
The event was chaired by Ann Mroz, Editor of the Times Higher Education. Sean O’Shea appeared on a panel alongside John Hayes MP, Shadow Minister for Lifelong Learning, Higher Education & Skills; Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter and Chair, 1994Group Student Experience Policy Group and Aaron Porter, Vice President (Higher Education), National Union of Students.
Speaking at the debate, Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“We strongly believe that it is absolutely critical that we all work together to continue to enhance the student experience. As the leading on-campus provider of student accommodation and campus infrastructure we work in partnership with universities, including in this critical area. We’ve drawn over £1 billion of private investment into the sector, to fund campus infrastructure that meets the expectations and aspirations of the student community. With plans to invest a further £1 billion in the sector, we will continue to play our part in improving the student experience and enabling universities to focus more on vital core services such as teaching and research.”
Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications at the 1994 Group, said:
“It is clear that students rate their experience at 1994 Group universities very highly. The most recent National Student Survey showed that 7 of the top 10 UK universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities. However, we must not be complacent. Across the 1994 Group, we are committed to continuing to enhancing the student experience and working with student representatives, the wider higher education sector and government to achieve this. Even under challenging financial circumstances, universities have no excuse not to prioritise the student experience.”
The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. During the event, the 1994 Group launched a new student experience innovative practice report. This new report gives a selection of innovative examples of how 1994 Group universities are enhancing the student experience. The examples included programmes to enhance graduate employability, creating supportive learning environments, innovative communication and feedback mechanisms, and university wide approaches. The report is available at: www.1994group.ac.uk
The event was attended by 29 senior representatives across the higher education sector including university leaders, policy makers, business representatives and directors of major higher education organisations.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Martha Dalton, Fran O’Leary, David Reilly, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
1. UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
http://www.upp-ltd.com
2. UPP’s current university partners include the University of Exeter, the University of Kent, Lancaster University, Leeds Metropolitan University, Loughborough University, the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Oxford Brookes University, University of Plymouth, University of Reading and the University of York.
3. The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York. For further information on the 1994 Group, please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group - Tel: 07779 232731 - Email:
08/02/2010 - UPP Success in National League Table of Private Equity Backed Firms
UPP has been ranked fifth in the annual 2010 Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100 league table, with one of the fastest growing profits of a private equity backed firm. The list, which is run by Fast Track and is published today (7 February 2010) by The Sunday Times, compares the profit growth of private equity backed businesses over the last two years.
UPP, owned by Barclays Private Equity, is the leading provider of university campus infrastructure, student accommodation and asset management services. UPP’s unique model is based on long-term partnerships with universities and involves the company designing, financing and operating campus infrastructure. With EBITDA* of 126.77% over the last two years and EBITDA of £31.8 million for the financial year ending 2009, UPP is now one of the UK’s most successful private equity backed firms.
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“This is a real testament to the ongoing strength of our business model and our expertise in delivering campus infrastructure, student accommodation and asset management services. Our partnership approach, working with world renowned universities, delivers robust, long-term income streams at a time when investment in the Higher Education sector is of growing importance. We are delighted to have our financial performance, the investment of Barclays Infrastructure Funds and the hard work of all our staff recognised in this way.”
UPP’s record profit growth was driven by the strong performance of the company’s cash flow based assets, the construction of over 3,000 new student rooms during the last year alone, acquisitions and the improved efficiency in service delivery and procurement practices. UPP has invested over £1 billion into the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion in the next two years.
UPP starting the academic year 2009/10 with a sector leading occupancy level of 100% across its portfolio of almost 19,000 student rooms and a projected rent roll of approximately £75 million for the year. UPP’s success is continuing with strong performance across the business and the delivery of large scale transactions with University partners. For example, since the 2009 financial year end, UPP completed a £133 million transaction (financed by Barclays and RBS) with the University of Exeter and a £115 million transaction (financed by Barclays, RBS and the Bank of Scotland) with the University of Nottingham, drawing almost quarter of a billion pounds of private investment into the Higher Education sector in less than three months.
UPP is currently engaged in development projects at the University of Exeter with construction partner Cowlin Construction (part of Balfour Beatty) and the University of Nottingham with construction partner Mansell plc (part of Balfour Beatty). UPP now has partnerships with 11 of the UK’s best performing universities and has a strong pipeline of development projects.
*EBITDA: Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Ian Lindsley, Fran O’Leary, Martha Dalton, Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Notes to Editors
1. UPP
University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of UPP Group Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation and campus infrastructure schemes as well as delivering asset management services. It has invested almost £1 billion in the Higher Education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
www.upp-ltd.com
2. Fast Track
Fast Track is an Oxford-based networking events and research company with 13 years’ experience publishing league tables ranking Britain’s top-performing private companies, and organising events for entrepreneurs to network and meet our sponsors.
The company was founded and is run by Dr Hamish Stevenson, who is also an associate fellow of Green Templeton College, Oxford University.
www.fasttrack.co.uk
3. The Sunday Times Buyout Track 100
The Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 league table ranks Britain's 100 private equity- backed companies with the fastest-growing profits (EBITDA). Buyout Track 100 is compiled by Fast Track and published in The Sunday Times each February, with an awards event in March and regional dinners throughout the year. This is the fourth year of the Sunday Times Buyout Track 100.
02/12/2009 - UPP Chief Exec highlights UPP’s role in the future of HE Funding
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, outlined UPP’s role in the future of Higher Education (HE) funding at a high profile policy roundtable debate on 1 December 2009. The event, entitled ‘The Future of Quality Higher Education: How can we secure sufficient funding at a time of recession?’ was organised by the 1994 Group of leading research-intensive universities, in partnership with UPP.
Sean O’Shea appeared on a panel alongside David Willetts MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Universities and Skills; Professor Paul Wellings, Chair, 1994 Group and Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University; Richard Wainer, Head of Education and Skills, CBI and Paul Marshall, Executive Director, 1994 Group.
Speaking at the debate, Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“As the leading on-campus provider of student accommodation and campus infrastructure we, at UPP, believe it is imperative that universities are appropriately funded and that we need to be flexible and forward thinking about sources of funding. We work in long-term partnerships with universities and have drawn £1 billion of private investment into the sector, including £250 million over the last three months. It is clear that investment is crucial to the ongoing success of the HE sector, which has a critical part to play in the future of the knowledge based economy.”
The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. During the event, the 1994 Group revealed new research, which shows that 86% of the UK public back further investment in HE to maintain the quality of teaching and research.
The event was attended by 29 senior representatives across the HE sector including university leaders, policy makers, business representatives and directors of major HE organisations.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Fran O’Leary
Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Notes to Editors
- University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of the UPP Group of companies. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation schemes. It has invested almost £1 billion in the higher education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
- The 1994 Group represents 19 of UK’s leading student-focused research-intensive universities. It was established in 1994 to promote excellence in University research and teaching. 7 of the top 10 universities for student experience are 1994 Group Universities (2009 National Student Survey) 1994 Group members include 10 of the top 18 universities in the UK in The Guardian University Guide League Table published on the 12th May 2009. The 1994 Group represents: University of Bath, Birkbeck University of London, Durham University, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, University of Exeter, Goldsmiths University of London, Institute of Education University of London, Royal Holloway University of London, Lancaster University, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Reading, University of St Andrews, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of Surrey, University of Sussex, University of York. For further information on the 1994 Group, please contact Alistair Jarvis, Director of Communications, 1994 Group - Tel: 07779 232731 - Email:
23/11/2009 - UPP Completes £115 Million Transaction with the University of Nottingham
UPP Completes £115 Million Transaction with the University of Nottingham
UPP has today closed on a £115 million transaction with the University of Nottingham, in a further demonstration of the confidence that the financial community has in the company’s unique funding model. The deal, one of the largest transactions to have taken place this quarter, was financed by Barclays, RBS and the Bank of Scotland, who have worked closely with UPP on a number of previous schemes. The agreement will see UPP extend its long-term partnership with the University by an additional 10 years for a revised concession period of 45 years and will deliver an even higher quality of affordable student accommodation at the Broadgate Park campus.
This major deal follows UPP’s recent £133 million transaction with the University of Exeter, backed by Barclays and RBS, which closed in September 2009. Through these two transactions UPP has drawn almost quarter of a billion pounds of new private investment into the Higher Education sector in less than six weeks. The banks involved have been attracted by the secure, long-term income streams, delivered through UPP’s unique model, which is based on rental income rather than property values.
Under the deal with the University of Nottingham, UPP has committed to investing in and refurbishing 850 rooms, providing students with affordable accommodation of a higher standard and thereby improving the experience of students studying at the University. The contractor for these works is Mansell who have worked with UPP on a number of previous projects.
UPP’s partnership with the University of Nottingham began in 2003 and the University is now ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 100 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings. Described by The Times as 'Britain's only truly global university', it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. The extended partnership between UPP and the University of Nottingham will run until 2047/48, when the accommodation will be transferred back to the University.
Graham Ward, Commercial Director at the University of Nottingham said: “We're pleased with the successful completion of this deal and the investment in a high-quality student experience that it represents. We look forward to working with UPP to further enhance the affordable accommodation offered to students living at Broadgate Park.”
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, commented: “This transaction with the University of Nottingham demonstrates the confidence the financial community has in UPP’s unique model and student accommodation as an investment class. I’m delighted that, following this transaction, UPP has successfully drawn almost a quarter of a billion pounds of new private investment into the Higher Education sector in less than six weeks. The University of Nottingham are focused on improving still further the quality of the student experience and this transaction – along with the extra investment in the accommodation - will further these ends. This provides an example of how the UPP model can help institutions release funds in both the short and long term which can in turn be used to fund core activities.”
Mark Quigley, Director, Structured Property Finance Team, Barclays Commercial Bank, said: “During the past couple of months, Barclays (which has been UPP’s main funder for over a decade now) has provided senior debt facilities of almost £100m for two transactions. Our appetite for funding schemes of this nature and indeed generally across the student accommodation sector remains undiminished, further reinforcing our desire to remain the market leading provider of student accommodation finance. We are delighted to be involved with UPP and also the University of Nottingham, which is part of the prestigious Russell Group.”
Miles Pool, Associate Director, RBS UK Corporate Banking, said: "The £115m UPP Nottingham transaction, in which RBS is Joint Mandated Arranger, delivers investment secured on forecast long-term revenue streams. This major deal involves a world class university and, as a long standing investor in UPP’s partnership business model, we are looking forward to working with UPP again in the future.”
Allan MacKenzie, Relationship Director, Bank of Scotland’s Large Corporate Real Estate Team in the West of Scotland, said: “Bank of Scotland is delighted to be able to continue supporting UPP. It’s clear that with the University population on the rise, demand for the quality of student accommodation, provided by the company, will remain high. Through our commitment to UPP, alongside our syndicate partners, we want to do everything possible to ensure a successful future for the business and the sector as a whole."
Elaine Lydon, Director of Structured Finance at DWPF, who arranged the finance and provided modelling services, said: “This transaction extends the current relationship between UPP and the University of Nottingham by 10 years, renewing the concession for a further 39 years. The support that UPP's key funding partners have shown in providing additional debt facilities for this transaction shows the confidence that the banks have in the UPP business model that delivers secure long-term income streams. This is demonstrated by the achievement of fully occupied schemes, with 2009/10 being a record year. UPP's strong funding partnerships will be a key asset in taking the business forward in 2010 and beyond.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Fran O’Leary, Ian Lindsley or Ben Russell,
Jefferson Communications
Tel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
Email:
Tim Utton, Deputy Director, Communications, University of Nottingham
Tel +44 (0)115 84 68092 / 07825 753 953
Email:
Notes to Editors
- 1.University Partnerships Programme (UPP) is the trading name of the UPP Group of companies. It specialises in funding, developing and operating student accommodation schemes. It has invested almost £1 billion in the higher education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
- 2.The University of Nottingham is one of the UK’s most popular universities with approximately 36,932 students, of which 28,647 are undergraduates. The University is a global player in Higher Education with two overseas campuses in China and Malaysia where a further 6,500 students are enrolled. The University is a member of the Russell Group of institutions – the association of 20 major research-intensive universities of the United Kingdom.
- 3.UPP established a long-term partnership with the University of Nottingham in June 2003 in a deal which involved a transfer of a total of 1,386 student rooms. The deal saw UPP undertake the continued operation of approximately 1,100 of these student rooms and provide a further 1,100 new build en-suite single and studio units. The initial concession period was for 35 years, at which point the accommodation would have been transferred back to the University. The new transaction involves a ten year extension to this relationship, which will see the relationship between University and UPP run until 2047/48, when the accommodation will be transferred back to the University.
- 4.For the University of Nottingham the transaction will ensure:
- An investment of c£6m into the refurbishment of the stock transferred as part of the original transaction in 2003, improving the quality of accommodation for students.
- The transfer of demand and operational risks for the term of the concession.
- 5.The Student Accommodation Team at Barclays is the main provider of funding in the sector. Barclays knowledge and expertise covers different structures for direct let/nomination agreement/university lease models.
13/10/2009 - 100% Occupancy Rates Announced for UPP Student Accommodation at Start of New Academic Year
UPP, the leading on-campus provider of student accommodation, has filled 100% of the student rooms operated within its portfolio for the start of the academic year 2009/10. It is estimated that this 100% rent roll – a sector-leading position – will deliver a total rental income of £75 million for the company in 2009/10. UPP designs, finances and operates residential and academic accommodation with university partners across the UK, and has begun the new academic year by welcoming record numbers of students to live in UPP developments.
UPP has long-term partnerships with many of the best UK universities, and is celebrating having achieved a 100% occupancy rate across all of the student accommodation facilities operated by the company. With an existing portfolio of almost 19,000 student rooms, UPP has now invested over £1 billion into the higher education sector and plans to invest a further £1 billion over the next two years.
The success of UPP’s unique model, based on long-term partnerships with high quality universities, has resulted in UPP continuing to expand its portfolio, with almost 2,500 additional rooms in development and thousands more in the pipeline. For example, UPP successfully transacted a £133 million initiative (£112 million of senior debt equally provided by Barclays Commercial Bank and RBS) with the University of Exeter in September 2009, establishing a long-term partnership to increase the amount of on-campus residential accommodation available to students. The deal was one of the largest transactions completed in the UK during this summer, demonstrating the level of confidence the financial community has in UPP’s unique model. And, bucking current property sector trends, UPP opened a new sustainable Eco Residence at Leeds Metropolitan University, in August 2009, a £25 million transaction solely funded by Barclays Commercial Bank, which is now home to 479 students.
Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive of UPP, said:
“Our unique model, which involves long-term partnerships with universities, was set up to provide a stable and attractive investment opportunity and our 100% occupancy rate and £75 million estimated rental income, for the new academic year, are testament to the success of this strategy. Despite the credit crunch, we are finding the financial community has a growing appetite for this kind of investment opportunity, delivered through UPP’s unique model, and we are securing record levels of private sector funding for our university partners. Achieving 100% occupancy, across our portfolio of almost 19,000 student rooms, demonstrates that we provide the kind of high quality student accommodation that students want and universities need.”
Mark Quigley, Director, Structured Property Finance Team, Barclays Commercial Bank, said:
“Barclays Commercial Bank has been UPP’s main funder for over a decade and we are delighted to have provided £55m in senior debt, alongside syndicated partners, for the recent transaction with the University of Exeter. With Barclays expertise in financing student accommodation and a strong appetite for similar deals, we are able to help improve the supply of on-campus student accommodation at a time when more students than ever before are applying to go to university. UPP has a robust business model and strategy, and we are looking forward to providing future support.”
Stuart Foster, Director, RBS UK Corporate Banking, and Vivek Sapra, Director, Infrastructure, Structured Finance, RBS UK Corporate Banking, said:
"RBS is a long standing investor in UPP's long term partnership business model and the recent £133m Exeter transaction, in which RBS was Joint Mandated Arranger, raised Senior Debt of circa £112m secured on predictable long-term revenue streams. RBS expects to provide similar support to UPP for other transactions in the future. With UPP delivering such strong occupancy rates, RBS is confident that the University Accommodation sector will be an important investment opportunity in the future."
ENDS
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Ian Lindsley, Ben Russell, Fran O’Leary, Jefferson CommunicationsTel: +44 (0)20 7256 8912
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