Tower cranes herald latest addition to Coventry’s skyline

Reaching a height of 72m, Winvic Construction has erected two tower cranes that will reside in Coventry’s city-centre skyline for the rest of the year as it continues to construct UNINN Parkside Development Ltd’s luxury student accommodation scheme.

The steel-framed project will offer 502 ensuite rooms that will be a mix of studio and cluster bedrooms constructed within three towers of six-storeys, 13-storeys and 19-storeys.

To celebrate the erection of the cranes and the start of construction, Coventry’s new flag – designed in celebration of the 2021 UK City of Culture – has been flown for the first time by being placed on one of the cranes.

Prior to the cranes arriving on site, piling for the 5m-deep basement had been completed. The subterranean area will provide space for a gym, laundry, cinema, karaoke room and communal lounge for tenants as well as a plant room/energy centre.

Mark Jones, Winvic’s Director of Multi-room, commented: “We have been working with UNINN Parkside Development, a new client for Winvic, for the last 6 months, refining the design and solving engineering challenges. The arrival of the tower cranes on site marks an important milestone on our programme when the people of Coventry can begin to watch this six, 13 and 19-storey development really take shape.”

Andrew Jamieson, Managing Director of UNINN Parkside Development, added: “Winvic has been making excellent progress on Parkside and their knowledge of city-centre, high-rise developments is evident. Already there is a buzz about Coventry’s next luxury student accommodation provision and we look forward to welcoming students into their new rooms in summer 2020. Together with Winvic, we’re confident to exceed expectations.”

Caunton Engineering has been appointed to fabricate, supply and erect the project’s steelwork.