A ceremony has been held to mark a significant construction milestone at a mixed-use development on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath.
Celebrating the topping out of the development | Photo © Alumno
The £13 million Hollis Wharf development, which combines student accommodation along with space for charity Mercy in Action, is being led by student developer Alumno and built by RED Construction Group’s South West team.
Funded by Heitman and designed by AAW Architects, the development will provide 120 studios and cluster bedrooms, alongside contemporary amenities and a ground floor commercial unit.
The student residence will offer a range of student bedroom types and sizes, including en-suite rooms, organised in clusters, and self-contained studios, and a range of entertainment, play and study spaces with a large roof terrace.
The ground and mezzanine floors will be occupied by local charity Mercy in Action, and links the future of the building to its past as were based on the site for many years.
Mercy in Action plan to make this new purpose-built storage and distribution centre a cornerstone of their business going forward, allowing them to continue their vital work within the community.
How the new Hollis Wharf development will look upon completion | Photo © Alumno
In keeping with Alumno’s commitment to integrating art and culture into its buildings, the development will showcase local artistic talent and celebrate the area and its history.
The building’s atrium will incorporate a sculptural installation by renowned ceramic artist Patricia Volk.
Based in Bath, Volk is known for her ability to merge contemporary ceramics with historical references, and her work for this project will pay homage to the area’s textile industry.
Her sculpture, inspired by the city’s rich traditions in textiles and dyeing, will serve as a visual focal point in the building.
Additionally, the atrium will feature a wall-based map of Bath’s River Avon, showcasing the significance of the 18th-century industrial landscape. The map will offer a visual narrative of the river’s vital role in the city’s development and its historical connection to the textile industry, highlighting the ways in which the area’s industries have shaped Bath over time.
Alumno Managing Director David Campbell commented: “This project has been a collaboration between our team, architects, contractors, and local stakeholders, and we are thrilled to see the vision come to life.
“The topping out signifies the strong progress we’ve made, and we’re looking forward to welcoming students to this exceptional new residence in Bath.”
Derek Quinn, Executive Director of RED Construction South West, added: “Our team has worked carefully within the rich heritage of the site to deliver a sustainable, mixed-use community.
“We are proud to have worked alongside Alumno and the wider project team on this prominent riverside location for the students of Bath and applaud the client on the creative use of art within the space.”
The topping out ceremony was attended by Alumno’s CEO David Campbell, RED Construction and AAW Architects.
The project is due for completion in the late summer.
