Valentine Court welcomes its first students

Local companies involved in a multi-million pound student housing development celebrated its completion. Castle Square Developments Chairman John Lockwood said:  “We are delighted to confirm that Valentine Court has been delivered by a locally-based team. It has been a real pleasure to work with Banks Long & Co and Lindum Construction on this important project. “We are extremely proud of the result which, once again, highlights our confidence in the continuing growth of Lincoln and the quality of our partners’ workmanship and experience, which has earned them fine reputations. Directors from Chartered Surveyor Banks Long & Co, its client Castle Square Developments and building firm Lindum Construction are delighted that Valentine Court is welcoming its first students at the start of this new University year. Valentine Court, which comprises a 469-bedroom student community, is the brainchild of serial investors in Lincoln, Castle Square Developments – a key player in numerous city projects since the early 1970s. On this occasion, Castle Square used Banks Long & Co’s expertise as development consultant and project manager for the scheme, which was designed by Stem Architects. Banks Long & Co Managing Director Tim Bradford identified the opportunity for the scheme. The firm’s project management team, headed by Director Simon Bridge, went on to oversee its development. He said: “Valentine Court is made-up of seven accommodation blocks. They comprise 63 six-bedroomed town houses and seven 13-bedroomed town houses, which includes accessible rooms.” “We join Mr Lockwood and Lindum Construction in welcoming the first student cohort moving into these new homes at the start of this term.” Lindum Construction was awarded the contract to build the student homes after entering a competitive tender process. Lindum Construction Managing Director Simon Gregory said: “This has been an extremely prestigious project for Lindum and we are delighted to have worked alongside Castle Square and other local businesses to deliver it. “There have been a number of challenges along the journey and it is testimony to the great teamwork from all parties to have achieved what we see today.” Valentine Court will be operated directly by the University of Lincoln. Chris Spendlove, University of Lincoln Registrar said: “It is great to work with local companies and the Valentine Court townhouse development marks an exciting new direction for University of Lincoln student accommodation. “It has already proved popular and students and their parents have been delighted with both the quality and design of the accommodation.” Pictured are Castle Square Developments George Lockwood; Banks Long & Co Managing Director Tim Bradford and Banks Long & Co Director Simon Bridge.