Breaking News: construction of 102-studio student residence in Angers!
In a strategic move to meet the rising student population, Angers Loire Habitat is launching the construction of a 102-studio student residence in the Belle-Beille district, set for completion by the summer of 2026. This news is expected to address the surging demand for student accommodation, providing a significant boost to the education infrastructure.
Construction to Begin in the Heart of Belle-Beille
The new student residence, situated in front of the Polytech engineering school, is poised to be a major addition to the Belle-Beille district, which already hosts the city’s university campus. This area is slated to receive a total of three new student residences with 620 housing units by the start of the next academic year. The upcoming residence, designed by Brunet Architect, will further enhance this educational hub.
Meeting an Impressive Growth in Student Numbers
Over the past few years, Angers has witnessed significant growth in student numbers. In 2014, the city hosted about 46,000 students and boasted 5,000 student dwellings. By January 1, 2025, the student housing’ve increased to 7,000 units, with projections indicating a total of 9,000 units in about a year and a half. This upward trend underscores the urgent need for residences like this one, offering a glimpse into how comprehensive planning can address demographic shifts.
Sustainable and Affordable Student Living
The residence will include two buildings, linked by common spaces such as study rooms, designed using a mix of bricks and wood. Jorge vertebra sustainable practices, featuring photovoltaic panels for self-consumption in common areas and a connection to Angers’ urban heat network to reduce energy costs. Rents are budget-friendly, ranging from €206 to €290 excluding charges for standard studios and €340 to €370 for PMR-accessible studios.
Future-Proof Design and Management Strategy
Architect Arnaud Brunet envisions the residence’s design to be reversible, adapting to future needs. “In a few years, the residence could transition to larger housing units such as T2 or T3,” Brunet explained. Principal among these future plans is the projected cap in student numbers by 2030 due to demographic shifts, indicating that further housing expansions might be necessary only in the short run.
Cost and Funding
The cost of this ambitious project is €7.5 million, with 83% funded by a loan from the Territories Bank. This substantial investment highlights a commitment to providing quality education not just through academics but also through adequate housing facilities. For students, this means living in conditions conducive to academic success and personal growth.
As Angers continues to attract more students year after year, projects like this are pivotal to managing growth and maintaining the city’s competitive edge. Keep up with all the latest news from Angers on archyde.com and our WhatsApp news service, D’Angers Villactu.