Redford Developments has received approval from Coventry City Council to redevelop a 1.8Ha brownfield site next to the University of Warwick into a low-rise, 400-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme.
The underutilised site of F H Roofing Ltd occupies land to the south of Westwood Heath Road in Coventry. It is immediately adjacent to the University of Warwick’s forthcoming 32,000 sq m Social Sciences Quarter, which received planning approval in August 2024. The site is well served by public transport and around a five-minute walk from the University’s main campus.
The plans, submitted to Coventry City Council and Warwick District Council (as 0.04ha of the development land lies within the neighbouring District) in September 2025, propose demolition of the structures within the builders’ merchants and the construction of a landscape-led scheme. A significant amount of the site will be public open space, including links to the campus.
Henley-in-Arden-based Redford Developments’ plans were drawn up by Maber Architects, who specialise in designing PSBA accommodation. The buildings will range from 6m to 20m in height. A Reserved Matters application to determine the detailed design of the accommodation will be prepared for consideration.
Richard Mees, chief executive of Redford Developments, said: “We are very pleased to receive approval for the redevelopment of this brownfield site into a PBSA scheme, with up to 400 beds. This project is set to play an important part in the continued expansion of the University of Warwick. As a leading, world-renowned academic and research institute, providing on-campus accommodation is an essential part of university life.”
“We are pleased the local planning authority appreciates how appropriate this site is for primely located PBSA.”
The University’s Supplementary Planning Document sets out the aspiration to increase the number of student bed spaces by around 1,200 by 2033, either within or immediately adjoining the campus.
This project is one of 10 brownfield sites being promoted, progressed, or developed by Redford Developments. The firm is backed by significant private investment, enabling sites to be purchased on a subject to planning basis, or without a viable planning status in place. The company is also in the market to acquire commercial assets that are non-income producing, requiring refurbishment or redevelopment.
Richard Mees added: “This site on Westwood Heath Road is one of four we are currently progressing within Coventry – a city we know so well. By working collaboratively with land and property owners, we’re securing some very positive outcomes for underutilised assets.”
