A significant construction milestone has been achieved in the development of Hollis Wharf, a mixed-use student accommodation building. A topping out ceremony was held, celebrating the progress of the project located on the riverside of the River Avon in walking distance to Bath’s city centre and world heritage sites, as well as Bath Spa University.

The £13 million Hollis Wharf development, led by student developer Alumno and built by RED Construction Group’s South West team with funding from Heitman, will provide 120 high-quality studios and cluster bed rooms, alongside contemporary amenities and a ground floor commercial unit to create a vibrant, sustainable mixed-use community. AAW Architects have sensitively designed the new 5-storey building to sit within the context and rich heritage of Bath and the UNESCO World Heritage site, and adjacent Grade II Listed buildings.

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 offering fantastic views over the historic city. Additionally, the ground & mezzanine floors will be occupied by local charity Mercy in Action, and links the future of the building to its past as they have been 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.

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 Based in Bath, Volk is known for her ability to merge contemporary ceramics with historical references, and her work for this project will pay homage to the area’s textile industry.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 Bath’s rich traditions in textiles and dyeing, will serve as a visual focal point in the building, creating a bridge between past craftsmanship and contemporary design. 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, Architects AAW. The planning application was supported by the University of Bath and Bath Spa who welcome the need for PBSA to free up housing for local people.The project is due to complete in the late summer 2025.