Student Accommodation · Bournemouth University (Jan 2024)

The University invites expressions of interest from experienced providers for the provision of student accommodation with services. This notice, in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, initiates a non-binding request for information stage, intended to gauge market interest and capabilities in delivering up to 1,200 beds of student accommodation from 2026.Key Aspects of the Requirement:

• The University is interested in a range of accommodation solutions, including but not limited to lease and nomination agreements. Providers are encouraged to propose innovative models that align with the University’s vision and strategic plan - www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/bu2025-our-vis… ↗.
• A critical component of this project is ensuring that the University’s accommodation portfolio continues to offer a range of rents to remain attractive and affordable for as higher number of its prospective and current students as possible. Providers should detail their approach to rent setting and management to show how they can achieve this and to ensure longer-term affordability.
• Providers must demonstrate a commitment to working collaboratively with the University in forming and developing a student community conducive to academic success. This includes creating an environment that supports student well-being, engagement, and academic achievement.
• Should consider various lengths of contract terms, provided they are within the bounds of relevant legislation. The University is looking for flexible solutions that can adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
• Emphasis should be placed on ensuring that all accommodation meets the highest standards of health and safety. Providers must outline their strategies for regular maintenance (including lifecycle), safety checks, and compliance with all current housing and safety legislation.It is important to note that the University does not have capital funds available for investment in new construction projects. Nonetheless, we welcome interest that includes new accommodation options that do not require capital investment or financial contribution towards the build costs from the University. Additionally, we are receptive to provider interest that focuses on utilising and managing existing structures or innovative solutions that do not require significant capital investment from the University.This Prior Information Notice serves as a preliminary market consultation and does not constitute a call for competition or bind the University to entering any form of procurement process. Interested parties are requested to prepare detailed responses, highlighting their experience, capacity, and proposed approaches to meet the University’s requirements.Providers who are interested in participating in this opportunity should submit a preliminary response outlining how they intend to meet the key aspects of the requirements as detailed above. Providers will need register to submit interest via the correspondence function on the Bournemouth University Electronic Tendering Site - in-tendhost.co.uk/bournemouthuniversit… ↗. Interested parties may be invited for further discussions and a presentation. The deadline for the first round of expressions of interest will be 16:00 on the 5th February 2024 but this Prior Information Notice will remain open for providers to express interest. The University is looking to commence conversations and presentations from mid February 2024.Further details regarding the subsequent procurement stages, will be provided in due course. Providers are encouraged to monitor In-Tend for updates and additional information.