BU student Halls of Residence re-open after £8million transformation

Posted on Thursday, September 5 2013

Cranborne House Project Manager Marcin Grabowski (left) and BU Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney outside the newly refurbished Cranborne House Halls of Residence

A Bournemouth University Halls of Residence has re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Cranborne House, situated in St Paul’s Place near Lansdowne, has been completely transformed during the year-long, £8.3 million project.

All of the 497 bedrooms and bathrooms have received a makeover, while all 76 living rooms and kitchens have been refitted.

A new common room has been created with a large TV and table football, and an external social space has also been provided with seating and a brick barbeque.

Wireless internet has also been installed in the 15-year-old building, and students will be able to use wireless technology to check whether washing machines in the Halls’ laundrette are free.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “It has been transformed from a building that has taken 15 years’ worth of student activity and use to a beautiful building that will accommodate over 500 students over term-time.

“It’s an essential part of the experience at BU. Student experience is absolutely key and it is delightful to see the building and the way it has been transformed.”

Cranborne House was closed while the work was carried out, but will be home to around 500 first year and postgraduate students from mid-September.

It is made up of six and seven bedroom cluster flats, all with en-suite shower rooms, and a number of self-contained studio flats.