University celebrates double win at prestigious awards ceremonies

University of Staffordshire has been recognised at two major awards ceremonies in one night, for its transformational Student Village and Woodlands Day Nursery projects.

At the Partnership Awards 2025, the University’s flagship Student Village development was named ‘Best Social Infrastructure Project’, alongside partners Hochtief and Plenary.

The awards recognise innovative and transformative work being done by public and private sector partners. The judges praised the Student Village project as a clear example of optimising public and private sector skills, technology and design.

The £140 million Student Village project, due to open in Autumn 2026, will offer high-quality, net-zero carbon accommodation designed to promote sustainability, student well-being, and a thriving campus community.

Featuring 1,000 new student rooms, at its heart is the Hub, a cutting-edge social and study space, featuring sustainable timber-framed construction, high-performance glazed facades, and intelligent energy management systems.

A self-financed solar power model, the first of its kind in UK student accommodation, significantly reduces energy reliance, reinforcing University of Staffordshire’s commitment to sustainability.

Sally McGill, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Lead for Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to be recognised with this award, alongside our project partners. The Student Village project is more than accommodation; it is a bold statement of our values, designed with sustainability, student well-being and accessibility at its core.”

Ian Prescott, Managing Director of HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions UK, said: “This award recognises the exceptional teamwork and shared vision that has shaped the Student Village. Together with the University and our partners, we are delivering a development that will not only meet students’ needs today but will also stand as a benchmark for sustainable, future-focused infrastructure.”

Shyra Muthusamy, Associate Director of Plenary, said: “It’s an honour to see the Student Village project celebrated for its innovation and collaboration. This is a shining example of what can be achieved when partners work together to create spaces that inspire, support and uplift the communities they serve.”

On the same evening, at a ceremony in Birmingham, the University saw success at the RIBA West Midlands Regional Awards 2025. The awards recognise outstanding architecture across the region, celebrating projects that demonstrate innovation and contribute positively to their communities.

University of Staffordshire’s Woodlands Day Nursery received not only one of the five Regional Awards, but also took home the ‘Sustainability Award’ and was named ‘Client of the Year’.

Sally McGill added: “We are thrilled that the Woodlands Nursery has been recognised by RIBA Awards. To win this on the same evening as the Partnership Awards is a very special achievement.

“Together, these accolades underscore the University’s bold ambition and enduring commitment to sustainability and impactful partnership working — delivering not just buildings, but lasting legacies for students, staff, and the wider community.”

University of Staffordshire’s mission is to connect talent with opportunity. With 62% of its students being the first in their family to go to university, it is recognised nationally for its work on social mobility. 

There are campuses in Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and London, offering a wide range of modern, career-focused courses. Students have access to next-level teaching, digital innovation, real-world learning and connections into industry.

The University is ranked 2nd in the UK for quality education (Sustainable Development Goal 4, THE Impact Rankings 2024).

As a catalyst for change, it is helping to transform communities and wider society and powering an eco-system of enterprise and regional growth.

In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 68% of its research was classed as world-leading or internationally excellent, with 87% of its ‘research impact’ judged to be very considerable or outstanding.