New student accommodation may ease housing shortage

The seven-storey Gray's Wharf halls of residence in York, a 12m scheme which will provide 232 rooms, are on schedule to be finished for the intake of new students at the start of the academic year in September.

A lack of larger properties across the city has become an increasing problem in recent years after private landlords bought up scores of three and four-bedroom houses to rent out to students.

It is hoped that the multi-million pound scheme on the derelict Gray's Wharf site in the Walmgate area of the city will ensure that some of the houses bought to accommodate students will be put back on the market.

York St John University's new vice-chancellor, Professor David Fleming, was given a tour last week of the development which is being overseen by the York-based company, S Harrison Developments.

Prof Fleming said: "For many years this site at Gray's Wharf lay derelict. This excellent accommodation scheme is playing its part in the regeneration of the area. I'm delighted by the positive response we have received from our neighbours and businesses locally.

"York benefits so much from its student population and it is important we provide the right accommodation which works with the local environment."

The development comes in the wake of another accommodation block on a neighbouring site off Percy's Lane, which was built by the university to house 272 students and opened in September 2008.

The university's management has stressed that the central location of both developments will alleviate the need for cars as students will be able to walk to their studies.

Bike sheds are being provided and the two developments will be linked with a community police office within the complex, which will also be available to the local community living in the Walmgate area.

The Safer York Partnership has already praised the security and surveillance measures which are built in to the existing development and will be carried through into the Gray's Wharf site.