Project overview

At Caxton Builders, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results. Our work on the Bendigo Building in Nottingham, delivered in partnership with main contractor GRAHAM, is a standout example of what can be achieved through collaboration and technical expertise. Designed by architectural practice rg+p group, the Bendigo Building now stands as a bold addition to Nottingham’s skyline – blending heritage transformation with contemporary design.

Client feedback

David Dixon, Operations Director, GRAHAM said,  “The Bendigo project is a true testament to the quality, professionalism and dedication Caxton Builders brings to a project. The brickwork package presented significant architectural challenges, all delivered to exceptional standards. Caxton’s commitment to health and safety, communication and problem-solving ensured the project was completed on time and to a consistently high quality. This is our first project together, and the start of a long and successful working relationship.”

Transforming an iconic building

Originally built in the late 1960s as a Royal Mail sorting office, the Bendigo Building has been reimagined into a landmark student residence, breathing new life into a long-vacant city-centre site.

Developed by Bricks Group and operated by its student living brand true student, the 13-storey tower now provides 661 high-quality bedrooms, including 417 studios, 208 cluster apartments and 36 accessible rooms.  Residents also benefit from premium shared amenities, including a fully equipped gym, festival and breakout spaces, landscaped gardens, secure car parking, and extensive cycle storage – creating a vibrant, practical, and welcoming home for Nottingham’s growing student population.

Caxton Builders’ scope of works

Caxton Builders was responsible for the complete brickwork package, delivering a technically demanding façade.

Key highlights include:

• 7,930 m² of brickwork completed
• 485,000 bricks laid across multiple elevations
• Complex brick bonds including Flemish bond with projecting headers, vertical soldier courses, and bespoke banding details
• Extensive use of prefabricated brick slip and soffit systems to achieve precise architectural detailing
• The façade incorporates intricate brick soffits, bespoke arches, splayed panels, and recessed detailing, all delivered to tight tolerances while maintaining a consistently high-quality finish throughout the building

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Engineering complex façades through collaboration

Working closely with IG Masonry Support, Caxton Builders designed and installed prefabricated brick slip and soffit systems to realise the architect’s intent while overcoming complex technical challenges. The project included vertical and splayed brick panels on the 9th, 11th and 13th floors, projecting up to 975 mm and tapering to align with the façade below.

Through joint design coordination, the panels were engineered as interlocking units with integrated restraining angles and supported by detailed drawings to ensure accurate, safe installation. A1 fire-rated brick slip systems delivered full regulatory compliance, durability and confidence in execution.

This collaborative, bespoke approach resulted in a visually striking, technically robust façade, while improving programme efficiency, reducing on-site cutting and enhancing installation quality.

Maintaining programme on a constrained city-centre site

Constructed on a highly constrained city-centre site, the project demanded meticulous planning and coordination. With no space for on-site storage, materials were delivered using a just-in-time logistics strategy, coordinated around limited crane availability and shared access to mast climbers.

Despite these constraints and a demanding programme, productivity, quality and safety were maintained throughout. Extended working hours and close coordination with GRAHAM’s site team ensured practical completion was achieved on time and to an exceptional standard.

A safety-led delivery

Health and safety was central to delivery. The project achieved zero reportable incidents, supported by:

• Daily briefings and structured weekly lookahead meetings
• Double-stacked mast climbers with bespoke protective roofs
• A strong behavioural safety culture embedded across the workforce. This proactive approach allowed multiple workfaces to operate safely and efficiently within a restricted environment.

Ryan Nicholl, Senior Site Engineer, GRAHAM said, “Caxton Builders demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in their quality documentation. Submissions were thorough, well organised and fully compliant, making the process efficient and collaborative. Their proactive communication and consistency set a strong benchmark for quality assurance.”

Delivering social value and community impact

The Bendigo Building is more than a student residence – it is a project that delivers lasting value to the local community.

• £6 million socio-economic return on investment
• £8 million spent with local suppliers
• Installation of a public bleed control cabinet, providing vital emergency support
• Apprenticeship and training opportunities delivered through Caxton Academy

The project also supported workforce development, with six apprentices trained on site and several team members progressing into more senior roles during the build.

Sustainability 

Delivered in line with Caxton Builders’ ISO 14001 environmental management standards, sustainability was embedded throughout the project. Key achievements include:

• Over 85% of waste diverted from landfill
• Reduced transport movements through coordinated local deliveries
• Responsible material sourcing and waste minimisation strategies

These measures reduced environmental impact while supporting the ESG goals of the wider project team.

Looking ahead

At Caxton Builders, we’re proud to have played a key role in delivering this landmark scheme and look forward to bringing the same expertise, innovation and collaborative approach to future projects across the UK.