Project Overview
Block B2, part of the Westway Square development catering to Oxford Brookes University students, provides one-hundred and eighteen studio apartments for Oxford Brookes University students.
Hosting 118 studio apartments, the block offers more than just accommodation; it serves as a hub of student life.
Residents benefit from various amenities, including a gym, laundrette, and a games area, fostering both convenience and recreation within the premises.
Access to Block B2 is facilitated through a link bridge connecting it to the main student reception situated in Block C. This strategic layout ensures seamless integration into the broader campus infrastructure. The external podium space surrounding Block B2 is meticulously designed with feature landscaping, creating an inviting outdoor social area for students to unwind and socialise.
Architecturally distinct from its neighbouring structures, Block B2 boasts a Metek frame spanning its five stories.
This framework not only enhances structural integrity but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the building. Noteworthy features include curtain walling to the Cooperative Store’s retail space and three slate-tiled trussed roofs, adding character to the facade.
The amenities provided within Block B2 are tailored to enrich the student experience. In addition to the aforementioned facilities, residents have access to a communal TV room and a terrace garden, further enhancing the sense of community and well-being.
Block C complements Block B2 with its own array of offerings.
Housing 89 bedrooms spread across five floors, Block C provides shared amenity and dining areas, along with a dedicated media room. The main student management suite finds its home within the reception area of Block C, facilitating administrative functions efficiently.
Block C accommodates the Central Energy Centre, which serves as the energy source for Blocks B2, C, and D. This centralised infrastructure ensures sustainable energy distribution throughout the complex, underscoring the commitment to environmental responsibility.
Core Team
Jonathan Richardson
Board Director
After completing his A-Levels in Nottingham, Jonathan pursued an engineering apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building. This block-release programme integrated theoretical study with hands-on experience, enhancing his technical skills and problem-solving abilities. During his apprenticeship, he worked with a national MEP contractor, which gave him valuable industry exposure but ultimately highlighted his preference for a more collaborative and people-focused work environment.
A significant shift in Jonathan’s career occurred when his mentor invited him to join a regional family-owned MEP contractor in Nottingham. The role suited his collaborative working style, but the company later faced financial challenges during a recession, prompting him to explore new opportunities.
Having already collaborated with SDC as a subcontractor, Jonathan’s skills drew the attention of the company’s M&E Director. After his former employer’s closure, he joined SDC and was soon entrusted with leading its newly created M&E self-delivery department. Over 18 months, he assembled a team of professionals with subcontractor expertise, building a department now comprising 20 members, including trainees and project managers. This team operates with a focus on technical excellence and practical problem-solving.
In 2016, SDC supported Jonathan during a challenging period in his personal life. Faced with extensive travel demands and an expanding family, he raised his concerns with the company, which facilitated his relocation closer to its base. This adjustment improved his work-life balance and reinforced his commitment to the company.
Jonathan became a Director in January 2024. In this role, he is responsible for project delivery, tendering, preconstruction, and sustainability efforts, alongside overseeing the MEP department. His contributions have been integral to the successful delivery of complex projects in sectors such as Formula One, including work with clients like Aston Martin and Red Bull. He values the variety and problem-solving aspects of his role and is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within SDC.
Phil Doherty
Contracts Manager
Andrew Clark
Commercial Manager
Andrew has worked at SDC since 1995 and is one of the longest serving members of the company, where he has progressed to Project Commercial Director. He is a valued and trusted member of the team with significant industry experience. Andrew has contributed to a vast range of projects across Oxford and Cambridge, where he is responsible for providing commercial leadership, strategic commercial direction and support to the project team.
Matt Stevens
Design Manager
Matt has been a part of SDC since 2007 and is an experienced and adaptable Senior Project Design Manager, well-versed in SDC’s collaborative and solution-driven approach. He actively engages in the pre-construction phase and stays involved throughout the project’s completion. With his broad industry experience, Matt excels at uniting the design development process, collaborating closely with both the client’s team and SDC’s internal design team to ensure the original design vision is preserved.
Warren Foster
Design Manager
Marc Huggins
Services Project Manager
Stephen Manley
Services Project Manager
Raj Parmar
Second Stage Leader
Since starting with SDC in 2013, Raj has proven himself to be an accomplished Pre-Construction Manager with a wealth of construction knowledge. Raj’s responsibilities include the overall management of the pre-construction process and assuming the pivotal role of client liaison throughout the whole of the project. With over two decades at the company, Raj is a well-respected member of the team who has worked and a huge variety of projects for a range of sectors including education, leisure, and science and technology.
Matt Wells
Planning Manager
