Bailey Point University Accomodation

Project Overview

Bournemouth University expanded its student accommodation with the development of Bailey Point, located on the main campus. The scheme delivers 550 ensuite bedrooms and studio apartments, supported by shared kitchen and communal spaces designed for day-to-day student living.

Customer: McAleer & Rushe
Main Contractor: William Coates
Contract Value: £32.5 Million
Programme: December 2017 – May 2019

Products featured

Copper Press
Cast Iron Valves

The Task of Commercial Plumbing Systems in Universities

Bournemouth University was at the start of a significant transformation. The university enlisted the expertise of mechanical and electrical engineers, William Coates, to handle the installation of the water supply systems with Brymec’s plumbing solutions to comply with the tight deadline of the Autumn term.

Brymec’s copper press and valve systems were supplied, along with technical guidance, to equip the 550-room student accommodation block with a plant room for a robust, high-performance water supply system.

“Working with a partner that is easy to contact, easy to deal with and responsive is so important to the success of a project like this. Throughout the build of the plant room, we were impressed by the quality of the products and materials supplied by the Brymec team.
“The delivery plan put in place worked very well, ensuring my team could continue to meet its deadlines throughout the project.”
“I’ve enjoyed working with the Brymec team, and knowing that if there was an issue, there was an available point of contact there to solve it provided great reassurance.”
Dominic McGuigan, Site Engineer, William Coates:

The Challenge

The physical limitations of the construction site, coupled with its unique shape, posed significant challenges for the plumbing system installation. Large plumbing systems require ample space for manoeuvrability, and the restricted area at Bailey Point demanded a strategic approach. The plumbing infrastructure had to be designed to fit within the available space while maintaining accessibility for maintenance and potential future expansions.

Working with the onsite team, William Coates liaised with their dedicated account manager at Brymec to ensure all products arrived on schedule as the development took shape. Recognising the urgency and intricacies of the project, both teams joined forces to implement a seamless plumbing solution that aligned with the swift timeline and specific demands of student accommodation.

All orders were delivered via the fleet of Brymec vans from one central location, helping reduce the project’s carbon footprint and ensuring an effective and time-managed plumbing system solution.

Product Selection

Product selection focused on meeting programme requirements while ensuring compliance and long-term system performance.

The systems used on the project included:

Brymec Copper Press System

The Brymec Copper Press System was used across the water distribution network to support an efficient installation. The press-fit method reduced the need for traditional jointing, helping to maintain progress on site.

The system also includes a built-in leak detection feature, allowing unpressed connections to be identified during testing. WRAS approval ensures compliance with UK water regulations for use in potable water systems.

Brymec Cast Iron Valves

Brymec cast iron valves were installed to provide control across the system. WRAS-approved lever ball valves were used to support isolation and maintenance, allowing facilities teams to manage the system effectively once operational.

“We have worked with William Coates on several projects, and we were confident our close working relationship would allow us to deliver best-suited products and technical expertise to provide the most advantageous project solution within the tight timescales.”
Danny Holmes, Account Manager, Brymec

The Outcome

Student accommodation presents a consistent set of requirements, including repeated layouts, high usage periods, and the need for straightforward maintenance.

Working together with William Coates, Brymec supported installation, with a design suited to the layout and project’s requirements.

By forming a close working relationship, orders were delivered as scheduled, allowing the project to run smoothly and on time. By the Autumn term, new university students could enjoy their new accommodation and settle in without any plumbing concerns.