We’ve successfully delivered Refresh - Asset enhancement projects for a range of clients, from small-scale refurbishments to large-scale asset overhauls.

Our projects have resulted in increased property values, higher client retention rates, and enhanced operational efficiencies.

Extensive refurbishment brings new life to Dunaskin Mill

Dunaskin Mill, Glasgow is a PBSA scheme located in the West of Glasgow in close proximity to the University of Glasgow.

Completed in 2024, the scheme consists of 504 beds (of which there are 406 ensuite clusters, 44 studios and 54 studios) across 5 blocks (managed by Fresh since inception). The scope of works carried out was as follows:

Accomodation:

  • Decoration to all beds, kitchen, living and dining areas, corridors and ancillary areas 
  • New flooring to corridors and ancillary areas
  • New studio kitchens (inclusive of appliances, sink & tap)
  • Upgrade of existing kitchen, living and dining areas (inclusive of appliances)
  • New USB double plug socket and cork board to all bedrooms
  • New radiators throughout
  • Removal and recycle (where possible) of all existing furniture
  • New furniture throughout (24 month warranty minimum, subject to individual item).

Amenity:

  • Full refurbishment to the individual amenity spaces within blocks 1-5
  • Upgrades to the games room, study spaces, gym, social lounge, reception, back of house and laundry
  • Provision of new cinema space (replacing section of a cycle store) and new external entrapment gates to assist with security. Note these spaces are subject to planning consents which are in the process of being sought.
  • 11-week accelerated programme
  • Minimal disruption to residents
  • Anticipated immediate uplift in revenues 

Enhancing Student Living at Spring Mews

  • Completed within 5 weeks (ahead of schedule)
  • Delivered on budget
  • Minimal disruption to residents

Located in the heart of Zone 1, London, Spring Mews is a 393-bed student accommodation designed for city living. In collaboration with Fresh, Refresh - Asset Enhancement developed a clear brief and worked closely with the client to address feedback on underutilised communal areas.

Resident insight highlighted key areas for improvement, including poor acoustics and comfort in existing booths, soundproofing issues, and a lack of engaging multi-functional spaces. In collaboration with Watkin Jones, Fresh developed a clear brief, which was successfully delivered ahead of schedule, under budget, and with minimal disruption in just five weeks.

A More Engaging & Functional Space

  • Cinema Room: A section of the ground floor was repurposed to create a dedicated cinema space, adding a new social hub for residents
  • Multi-Function Room: Designed for flexibility, this new space features large feature mirrors, making it ideal for yoga and dance classes. It also includes storage for yoga mats, a discreet kitchenette hidden behind sliding panels, and movable folding tables—allowing it to transform into a meeting, art, or study space as needed
  • Quiet Study Booths Revamp: Recognising the high number of international students at Spring Mews, study booths were upgraded with carpet, acoustic panels, and improved lighting, enhancing comfort and usability. This refurbishment ensures Spring Mews continues to meet the evolving needs of students, providing both functional study spaces and dynamic social areas for an enriched student living experience.
   

Summer 2024 Refurbishment – A Step Forward in Student Living

A 500-bed student accommodation in North Bristol, featuring 406 en suite cluster rooms under a Nominations Agreement and 94 self-contained studios directly let by Fresh.

In partnership with EQT and Fresh, Refresh completed a significant refurbishment in Summer 2024, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing the resident experience. The project was delivered in two carefully coordinated phases during the summer breaks, with the upgrade of 94 studio apartments achieved through close collaboration with the client team. 

What’s New?

Our enhancements were carefully designed to elevate comfort, functionality, and sustainability across the development:

  • Full redecoration of bedrooms, kitchens, corridors and communal areas
  • New flooring throughout shared corridors and social spaces
  • Contemporary studio kitchens featuring upgraded appliances, sinks and taps
  • Modernised communal kitchens with improved cooking facilities
  • Enhanced in-room features including USB double plug sockets and updated cork boards
  • Installation of energy-efficient radiators
  • Responsible removal and recycling of old furniture
  • Stylish new furnishings, all supplied with a minimum 24-month warranty.

To minimise disruption, the refurbishment was delivered through a tenancy surrender programme, allowing work to be completed while maintaining a positive living environment for residents.
  • 11-week accelerated programme
  • Minimal disruption to residents
  • Anticipated immediate uplift in revenues

Bringing Collegelands Up to Date: A Fresh Approach to Student Living

588 unit student property located in Glasgow. Opened in 2010/11 and refreshed in 2018/19. Managed by Fresh since its opening, the property had begun to show its age amidst a wave of new developments across the city.

Building on the success of an earlier refurbishment in 2018/19,

Refresh - Asset Enhancement, working closely with Fresh once again partnered with the client to deliver a second, more comprehensive upgrade - ensuring Collegelands continues to meet the expectations of modern students and remains competitive in a fast-moving market.

Modernising with Purpose

Driven by insight and resident needs, the refurbishment programme focused on enhancing comfort, usability and amenity across the entire development:

Insight-Led Design

Competitor and market research identified key areas for improvement, including the introduction of an on-site gym—an increasingly essential feature for student wellbeing and 

lifestyle.

Phased Delivery for Minimal DisruptionThe refurbishment was delivered in carefully planned stages, starting over the summer and continuing block by block. This approach allowed the building to remain operational  throughout the works, preserving occupancy and rental income.

Considerate Approach to Residents

Recognising potential short-term disruption, rents were temporarily reduced by 10%—ensuring residents continued to feel valued and supported during the refresh.

With these improvements, Collegelands now offers an elevated living experience, keeping pace with Glasgow’s vibrant and evolving student accommodation landscape.

Transforming Student Living at Kingston Plaza

Conveniently located near Kingston University, St Mary’s, Roehampton, and Richmond University, Kingston Plaza is a 130-bed student accommodation scheme designed for modern student life. When Fresh took over management in 2023, it became clear that the amenity spaces were underutilised, uninspiring, and in need of an upgrade. Working in collaboration with the client and Watkin Jones, Fresh and the Refresh team developed a clear brief to transform the communal areas, ensuring they met the needs of today’s students.

A Modern Space

The refurbishment focused on maximising the potential of the entrance lobby, reception, and amenity spaces, with a key addition: a new on-site gym.

Key improvements included:

  • Consultation-Driven Design: Fresh engaged with students to identify the need for a gym, enhancing the overall amenity offering.
  • Efficient Delivery: The works were completed in just seven weeks, with minimal disruption and no student complaints.
  • Sustainable Approach: Existing furniture was removed and recycled through a local charity.
  • Positive Impact: The transformed spaces are now actively used and enjoyed by students, with the gym and reupholstered study booths proving particularly popular.

Completed in April 2024, this refurbishment has revitalised Kingston Plaza creating a vibrant and engaging environment that enhances student life.