St Teresa’s House

Project

St Teresa’s House

Location

Plymouth

Client

Student Castle

Contract

£6.5m

Duration

84 weeks

Project Description

Classic Builders successfully managed the extensive, high-density conversion of St. Teresa’s House, transforming a former multi-storey commercial office block into 113 premium, self-contained Higher Education student studio apartments. The complex city centre regeneration scheme required complex structural re-engineering alongside a comprehensive building envelope overhaul.

External works were heavily focused on upgrading the property’s thermal performance and aesthetics, which involved stripping the existing facade to install a modern, fully compliant External Wall Insulation (EWI) system. Simultaneously, the team executed extensive structural roof replacements to guarantee the building’s long-term weatherproofing and energy efficiency. To safely drive the vertical workload, the four-storey development was delivered using a highly structured, phased construction methodology, enabling sequential trades to seamlessly follow one another under strict, daily programme controls.

The location of the project presented a combination of live-environment boundaries, as the four-storey block is situated on a congested urban main road directly above multiple active, occupied retail units. Logistical complexity was heightened by a separate, fully occupied student accommodation block at the rear, a live school immediately adjacent to the primary site entrance, and a permanent residential access lane running alongside the building structure.

To protect the commercial interests of the ground-floor retailers and the safety of the public, Classic Builders established a clear, proactive communications framework from day one, maintaining daily liaison with local business managers, residents, and schools. As physical space for material storage and site setup was greatly restricted, the project team deployed a strict, just-in-time Delivery Schedule and Traffic Management Plan. A dedicated, Banksperson was stationed at the entrance points at all times to safely guide delivery vehicles, mitigating traffic congestion and keeping the retail shopfronts clear and accessible.

Operating directly next to an active school required a proactive approach to risk management and public protection. Classic Builders avoided delivery times during drop-off and afternoon pick-up hours, ensuring no heavy goods vehicles or construction plant operated near the school gates during high-footfall periods.

The site boundaries were protected with high-security, anti-climb segregation hoarding fitted with clear, child-friendly safety signage. These robust physical barriers maintained a total, permanent separation between the construction works and the public domain, upholding the highest possible health and safety standards throughout the life of the project.

The transformation has breathed fresh energy into the heart of the city centre, providing a vital economic boost to local businesses while delivering high-specification, welcoming homes for the student community.