Skip to Content or Footer

New Century Place

Reading

Situated on East Street, New Century Place is a contemporary purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme operated under the Student Castle brand. Just a short walk from Reading town centre and the University of Reading, it offers high quality accommodation alongside a range of modern resident amenities.

Following the site's acquisition, Inspired Projects was appointed to redesign and upgrade multiple communal spaces, creating interiors that better reflect Student Castle's brand while enhancing the overall resident experience.

The completed refurbishment delivers a collection of contemporary spaces for studying, socialising, fitness, and relaxation, supporting modern student living through thoughtful design and carefully considered amenities.

New Century Place Reading Student Accommodation Study Lounge Inspired Projects
New Century Place Reading Student Accommodation Reception Design Inspired Projects
New Century Place Reading Student Accommodation games Room Inspired Projects
New Century Place Reading Student Accommodation Cinema Room Inspired Projects

The Brief

The existing amenity spaces no longer reflected the premium standard of Student Castle’s purpose built student accommodation (PBSA), creating an opportunity to reimagine the interiors with a more cohesive identity and contemporary aesthetic. The design sought to enhance both the functionality and atmosphere of each space, delivering welcoming communal areas that better support modern student accommodation and everyday resident life.

A key objective was to create a series of distinctive yet connected amenity spaces that encourage studying, socialising, relaxation and wellbeing. This included the refurbishment of the reception, study areas, games lounge, cinema room, gym, private dining room and outdoor terraces, alongside the introduction of bespoke joinery, carefully selected furniture, feature lighting and upgraded finishes throughout.

The design approach centred on creating a consistent experience across the PBSA development, balancing practicality with comfort to deliver spaces that feel modern, engaging and intuitive to use. The completed student accommodation refurbishment strengthens Student Castle’s brand identity while providing residents with high-quality communal spaces that enhance the overall student experience.

The Solution

Inspired Projects delivered the refurbishment and reconfiguration works at New Century Place in close collaboration with Student Castle and a coordinated team of specialist subcontractors.

The project was delivered through a full internal strip-out and phased construction programme, enabling the efficient reorganisation of the ground floor layout. Key elements, including the relocation of the reception and installation of new partitions, joinery and service integrations, were carefully sequenced to ensure a smooth transition from existing to new configuration.

A strong emphasis was placed on build quality and coordination across all trades, with bespoke joinery, mechanical and electrical works, and finishing packages delivered to a consistent, high standard. Close management of subcontractors ensured programme efficiency, quality control and alignment with the client’s specification throughout.

Working within an operational student accommodation environment required careful planning, with works managed to minimise disruption while maintaining safety and access at all times.

The result is a well-executed transformation, delivered efficiently on site and aligned with the client’s vision for an upgraded amenity offering.

Before & Afters

New century place before and after - Moodboard
New century place before and afters

How Inspired Projects Is Transforming PBSA and BTR

For over 20 years, we have worked at the intersection of design, delivery, and commercial performance across PBSA.

Inspired Projects is a leading fit out contractor and refurbishment contractor based in Manchester, delivering student accommodation refurbishment and commercial fit out projects across the UK. We transform outdated student accommodation into modern spaces that compete with new-build PBSA and BTR developments. Our focus is on delivering maximum value without unnecessary overspend. Clients return to us because we understand what drives long-term success: better resident experiences, operational efficiency and stronger commercial returns.

As a trusted delivery partner, we work closely with our clients throughout every stage of the project. We balance design ambition with budgets, programmes and commercial objectives. Every decision is made with long-term performance in mind, not just appearance.

Whether it’s rethinking amenity layouts, upgrading interiors, or repositioning an existing asset to meet modern expectations, our goal is simple:
to help PBSA and BTR schemes stand out, retain residents, and maximise returns.

Looking for a Fit Out Contractor?

If you’re planning a PBSA refurbishment, redevelopment or new build scheme and would like to explore how we can support your project, we’d be happy to have a chat.

Get in touch to discuss your upcoming development.