BUILDERS have moved into Westgate Street this week to begin the work of turning the derelict White Lamp pub and former Co-op Creamery into over a hundred new student residences.

The University of Gloucestershire and Dorset-based Signpost Homes received planning permission earlier this year to develop 133 en-suite student study bedrooms and a wardens flat in the former pub and creamery, which has until now been used as a car park.

The new accommodation will be ready for occupation in September next year, when more than 1,300 students will be studying at the University's Oxstalls Campus.

"This is a well-thought out development that the University is very happy to support", said University of Gloucestershire Facilities Services Manager, Roger Williams.

"It is a brownfield site development that contributes to urban regeneration in the City of Gloucester and also meets the University's high standards for environmental protection."

Signpost Homes together with their contractor Halsall Construction Ltd will re-construct the White Lamp pub into modern student residences, while restoring the original brick and stone frontage. A new four-storey block with a more contemporary design will be built on the old creamery site on Quay Street.

The development includes on site warden accommodation, a laundry, limited parking provision (mainly for disabled students), ample cycle storage and landscaped communal gardens.

"In looking for a suitable site, we were looking for a city centre location that would not only meet the housing needs of students, but would also contribute to the regeneration of Gloucester's historic city centre", said Roger Willoughby, Chairman of Signpost Homes.

"The development will inject inward investment of nearly £4m into the local economy - contributing to Gloucester's regeneration strategy for the city centre.

"Our architect, Quattro Design of Gloucester, has focused on security and design excellence, including secure access systems, railings, CCTV coverage and features to meet Secure by Design Award standards. These measures, coupled with an on site warden, will provide the security that students deserve and the local community expects."

The development was welcomed by City Centre Manager, Richard Dennery. He said: "The students will be living in the city centre and taking advantage of Gloucester's varied day and night life, which will bring an added and much needed strength to the local economy and street scene."

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For further information, contact Joanna Wynn, Communications Manager, 01242 532871 or Tina Partridge, Marketing Manager at Signpost on 01258 484884.