CASE STUDY

The Oaks

Project:
The Oaks
Location:
Coventry
Value:
£5 million
Sector:
Education
Services:
Groundworks

The Oaks Student Village in Coventry stands as one of the region’s most ambitious purpose‑built student accommodation schemes, delivering more than 1,200 rooms for students attending the nearby University of Warwick.

the Project.

Working for main contractor McLaren Construction, McCoy Contractors played a central role in the delivery of the scheme, which was designed by architects Corstorphine + Wright. The project saw McCoys deliver the complete groundworks and external works packages across all three phases of the project.

Located less than a kilometre from the University of Warwick, the development has been designed to create a vibrant, modern student community supported by landscaped courtyards, high‑quality public realm areas and a network of pedestrian routes that connect the accommodation blocks and shared amenities.

McCoy Contractors delivered:

McCoy Contractors were responsible for the construction of foundations for the numerous multi‑storey buildings across the site. The scope of works included: -

· Full site preparation and enabling works

· Foundations for multiple multi‑storey accommodation blocks

· Installation of drainage including foul and storm drainage networks

· Installation of all site-wide services including utilities, ducting and infrastructure connections

· Construction of over 100 metres of reinforced concrete (RC) structural retaining walls, each up to 6 metres high

The retaining walls, installed to manage the challenging topography of a sloping site, were a key challenge that required careful planning and execution from the McCoys team.

Alongside the groundworks, McCoys delivered external works across all three phases, shaping the character and usability of the student village. This included extensive block paving installations that formed the primary pedestrian routes, plazas and shared spaces throughout the site. They also constructed the car parking areas, undertaking all sub‑base preparation, kerbing, surfacing and associated drainage along with the block paving.

Their external works supported the creation of landscaped courtyards and communal outdoor spaces, ensuring that the development offered both functional infrastructure and an attractive, accessible environment for residents.

The project was delivered in three phases, with McCoy’s involvement spanning all phases. Their ability to integrate seamlessly across consecutive phases, maintain programme continuity and coordinate closely with the main contractor and design teams was essential to the success of the scheme.

Outcomes

McCoy Contractors delivered all works to programme and to a consistently high standard, providing the robust infrastructure and high‑quality external environment that defines theOaks Student Village. Their contribution enabled the creation of a modern, durable and future‑proof student community, with safe and resilient drainage systems, structurally sound building platforms, and well‑designed public realm areas that enhance the overall student experience.

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