Number 79 Silver Street is a new student property in Reading, developed during the peak of COVID-19, during January-December 2020. Situated only six minutes’ walk from The University of Reading’s London Road Campus, the accommodation include 61 ensuite student bedrooms, built and furnished to the highest standards. Communal areas include state-of-the-art multi-use cinema/gaming/karaoke rooms, residents’ lounges with kitchen and dining areas, a fully-equipped fitness suite, and private study areas.

The original builder contracted for the project went into administration in early 2020, and Barton Knight was recommended thanks to its experience in high-quality electrical installation. Additional work was required for the student bedrooms.

Barton Knight provided a full design and installation service for the electrics including lighting (with LED downlights for communal areas and outside security lighting), power (including induction hobs), high-speed wifi data cabling, a CCTV system, and restoring the fire alarm.

A major complication during the project was COVID-19, as the development carried on through three lockdowns.

Although the property wasn’t occupied during the works, Barton Knight had to complete additional and ongoing risk assessments and plans to work safely, and co-ordinate with other contractors on site to establish and carry out COVID-19 precautions. Full PPE was provided for all staff), sanitation stations were set up, social distancing and isolation procedures were put into practice and the project was regularly deep-cleaned.