J S Wright secures £1.3m student accommodation contract

Mechanical and electrical services specialist J S Wright has secured a contract worth more than £1.3 million to help meet booming demand for purpose-built student accommodation in Exeter.   

The company will design and build the M&E services for a new 120-bed scheme on the site of a dilapidated former pub, the Honiton Inn, in Paris Street. 

J S Wright was commissioned by South West regional contractor Pollard to equip the eight-storey block and its amenities, including a laundry, common room, warden’s office and cycle storage, with the energy efficient equipment. 

The services include low pressure hot water (LPHW) heating, internal mains cold water and boosted cold water, domestic hot water, and gas distribution. 

J S Wright will install heat recovery supply and extract ventilation for the ground floor, and extract ventilation for all kitchens and showers within all the flats. The company will also install a Building Management System, direct expansion (DX) air conditioning for the Comms Room, and all above-ground drainage. 

In addition, a rainwater harvesting system, sanitary ware, and fire safety dry risers, sprinklers and alarms are within the wide-ranging commission. 

J S Wright’s electrical brief will include the design and installation of the building’s mains distribution, including its low-voltage (LV) power distribution to individual flats, and communal power and lighting. 

As part of its role in protecting students and their property, J S Wright will fit access control, CCTV, and data and TV systems, along with lightning protection and a disabled refuge system.  

The sixth-month project is scheduled for completion in December 2019, in time for the 2019/20 student cohort. 

Marcus Aniol, managing director of J S Wright, said: “We are delighted to be able to use our long experience in the student accommodation sector to help meet escalating demand for energy efficient purpose-built properties nationally.”