Work came to a temporary halt in March at the old White Lamp Inn on Westgate Street as the Mayor of Gloucester performed the ancient tradition of 'topping out' on the new student residences being built there.

Topping out is an ancient tradition dating back to Saxon times. It marks
a significant stage in the building programme and brings together all those who have been involved in the project.

The Mayor reset a Bath stone in the original frontage of the White Lamp, which is being restored by the contractors as part of the design.
The derelict inn and former Co-op Creamery are being transformed into over 100 new student residences, which will be available for University of Gloucestershire students from September.

Dorset-based Signpost Homes is creating 133 modern, en-suite student study bedrooms behind the original brick and stone frontage of the White Lamp.
Two of the apartments have been designed for students with disabilities and there is also an on-site warden's flat.

The apartment block also includes a laundry, ample cycle storage facilities and landscaped communal gardens.

"This is a well-thought out development that the University is very happy to be associated with", said University of Gloucestershire Head of Facilities Services, 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.

"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."