GRAHAM To Develop New PBMSA Design For Queen's University

Construction firm GRAHAM is to deliver a new Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation (PBMSA) design for Queen’s University in Belfast city centre.

Working in partnership and utilising early contractor involvement will provide better outcomes for the client.

The PBMSA development is anticipated to spread across 15 floors and incorporate a mixture of cluster (4, 5 and 6-bed) apartments and studio apartments. There will be up to 460 bedrooms, social space and amenities, and office and support facilities. The new student accommodation complex will be built to Passivhaus certification.

Early contractor involvement delivers excellent benefits, including the potential for better, more efficient outcomes for clients. This method of contracting allows the construction partner to become involved before the design has been completed. It offers more efficient delivery, gives the ability to introduce innovations and reduce risk, as well as improving cost and programme certainty.

Gary Holmes, Managing Director of GRAHAM's Building North region, said: "We are excited to be leading on the construction of this new development, which will help to transform the area while boosting the economy. As part of our commitment to social impact, we are implementing an Employment and Skills programme to support local unemployed residents into the industry. We will also be working closely with community organisations to provide volunteering opportunities for our staff as well as working with local schools to offer site visits and curriculum support."

With an estimated 45,000 full-time third level education students in Belfast, demand for student accommodation is high. It is estimated that 3,000 more rooms will be needed in Belfast within the next five years for Queen’s University students alone. That is why Queen's University is set to invest up to £100 million over the next four years as part of an overall plan to help meet an unprecedented upsurge in demand for student accommodation in Belfast.

Call For Ending Violence against Women And Girls Strategy To Progress

Sinn Féin First Minister Designate Michelle O'Neill has said that the Ending Violence against Women and Girls Strategy must be progressed as a priority.

She said: "Tackling violence against women and girls must be a priority right across our society. There can be no place or tolerance for sexism and misogyny.

"Every day, women and girls face violence in the form of domestic and sexual abuse, stalking, harassment and intimidation.

"This is a consequence of systemic gender inequality and must be tackled by challenging that inequality, sexism and misogyny at its roots.

"The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy has the potential, if properly implemented, to begin to tackle the root causes of this violence.

"We welcome the Year 1 Action plan as the first step in the seven-year strategy, which must be properly resourced and funded.

'Tackling, and eradicating, violence against women and girls must be a priority for society and the strategy and action plan must reflect our ambition to be successful in these aims.

"There must be no delays, women and girls cannot wait any longer."

Charitable Organisations Receive A 'Helping Hand' From Ulster Bank

Twelve charitable organisations have received a 'helping hand' from Ulster Bank to try and alleviate pressures brought about by the current cost of living challenges.

Foodbanks, heating hubs and other care providers have each been given a share of Ulster Bank’s £100,000 Helping Hands Fund so that they can continue to offer the services and support many communities are relying on in these times.

Ulster Bank colleagues were invited to nominate charities and organisations from their local areas for the grants and after a lengthy selection process, 12 were selected and awarded funds.

The groups include St. Vincent de Paul, Belfast-based The Peoples’ Kitchen, The Pantry foodbank in Fermanagh, The Jam Foodbank in Randalstown, as well as Age NI, Advice NI and The Salvation Army.

Along with receiving a cash boost, the groups will also receive volunteer support as Ulster Bank colleagues have committed to taking a hands-on approach to supporting the charities, fostering closer links with the organisations and the communities in which they serve.