Background
Located on the former Forest Mill site, which had stood derelict for over a decade, this ambitious development has transformed the area into a vibrant student community. The scheme delivers 790 high-quality purpose-built student accommodation units, breathing new life into the site.
Project Details
Project ff&e was appointed by RG to deliver a complete package of loose furniture, fitted furniture, and kitchens across all room types, including amenity areas.
The programme of works:
Project ff&e worked closely with interior designers, Bond Bryan, to select furniture and fabrics to complement the carefully curated interiors, drawing inspiration from Nottingham’s rich textile heritage.
Operations
Delivery was carefully planned and executed over a 35-week programme, with Project ff&e working across two blocks initially at a rate of at a rate of up to 40 rooms per week including Cluster Kitchens, Studios and Bedrooms
The project was managed by a senior contracts manager with support from project assistants, a site manager, supervisors, and team leaders, ensuring effective coordination and quality oversight.
A core team of six directly employed staff worked on site for 35 weeks, supplemented by additional labour during peak periods. Installation was led by specialist contractors, with fitter numbers scaled up during first and second fix stages and extra support provided for snagging and specialist works.
Monthly Health and safety audits were completed by an independent HSEQ consultant, maintaining compliance and reinforcing safe site practices.
As the project approached completion, the team successfully scaled up operations to work across all three blocks simultaneously, ensuring the handover was achieved on time and to the highest standard. Throughout the programme, we coordinated closely with the wider project team to maintain efficiency, manage logistics, and overcome challenges associated with the project’s scale and multi-block structure.
Successfully coordinating a revised delivery method
When the client revised their planned distribution approach from a hoist to a crane, Project ff&e swiftly adapted the delivery strategy. To accommodate this change at short notice, most goods were moved into local storage ahead of site delivery. This enabled the use of Moffett and curtain-top vehicles for transport, ensuring that the revised method was both practical and cost-effective. By implementing this flexible solution, we minimised disruption, maintained programme timelines, and supported the client’s new logistical requirements.
Impact
Project ff&e is proud to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® and all furniture was sourced through FSC-certified materials, while local labour and diverse workforce representation were prioritised throughout delivery. In addition, we provided a work placement for a college student gaining experience in the construction industry and its varied trades and sectors.
Client: Olympian
Main Contractor: RG Group
Interiors: Centre Court | Bond Bryan
