Balfour Beatty announced that it has been appointed preferred bidder for the University of Sussex's East Slope Residences project. In partnership, alongside the University, Balfour Beatty will design, build, finance and operate the project under a 50 year contract. Subject to planning approval, the project will replace an existing 600 bed facility on the University's campus with a new living space comprising 2,000 new bedrooms in a range of formats including townhouses and some with ensuite facilities.

It will also incorporate innovative student amenities such as social hubs and new student union facilities. Construction is anticipated to start in 2016, and would be delivered by Balfour Beatty's UK construction services business. Balfour Beatty's investment business has achieved considerable success in the student accommodation market, developing a portfolio of 15 projects (including those currently at preferred bidder), across the UK, US and Australia.