Work starts on £40m city student village

It is hoped that the 1,000-bed 40m "village" will set a precedent for future student accommodation.

Contractors, GB Building Solutions, have started demolition and enabling works on the programme scheduled for completion next summer.

The sustainable student village is the first phase of the landmark development within the wider Listerhills project.

Alongside the student accommodation, planning permission has been obtained for managed workspace, academic and healthcare facilities and extensive public realm.

The scheme is part of the city's 750m Learning Quarter which will provide a "centre of excellence" for the region.

The vice-chancellor of the University of Bradford, Prof Mark Cleary, said: "The sustainable student village will boost our existing 84m programme of work to revitalise and develop the campus to create inspirational learning, living and social spaces.

"As one the greenest universities in the UK, the village will help us to continue to be at the forefront of environmental education and practice, as well as providing our students with fantastic accommodation."

The "village" is due to be completed by August 2011 with students moving in for that year's intake at the university.

The wider scheme developed by Mi7 Developments, with support from Middle Eastern investors, has the potential to create over 700 jobs.

Bradford Council director of city centre regeneration Stephen Talboys said: "We are bringing this ambitious scheme to life and it is yet more evidence of theprivate sectorbeing confident in Bradford as a place where they candobusiness."

The student village is being delivered by Mi7 Developments, University of Bradford and Yorkshire Forward, on behalf of the Hayaat Group in partnership with Welbeck Land Ltd.