A celebratory ceremony was held as the final slab was cast on a new city centre student accommodation complex in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Pablo Fanque House on All Saints Green will be home to University of East Anglia (UEA) students from September 2018.

The complex, named after a Norwich man who inspired the Beatles has been taking shape over the past few months

UEA has entered into an agreement with Alumno Developments to provide 244 new rooms for students at the new 13 storey complex on the former Mecca Bingo Site. The complex will be managed by Derwent Students.

Students will be able to apply for one of the en suite rooms or studio flats from January.

Eastern Daily Press: The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Managing director at Alumno developments, David Campbell, said: 'This is our second project in Norwich. Our first was well received and we just thought that our second project in Norwich would be a fantastic opportunity.

'Norwich is a great place to work as there's a strong demand for modern, purpose-built student accommodation in the city centre.'

'With this project, we took our time with it and forged relationships with the council and others. We used the same team from HG Construction and we knew they'd be up to the job as this is no doubt, as a project and site, a major priority.

'The event we held was just great. The amount of people who turned up is brilliant. I'd like to thank John Lewis for being our partners and also the support from Aviva and UEA.

Eastern Daily Press: The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

'We've still got a year to go, but I haven't been here for about a month. It was great to go back and see the progress that has been made in a short period of time.

'I hope this event has allowed people to see the conditions our people are working in, they don't stop. Even if it is cold and icy outside. I also hope it will give the workers that boost they need, there's only one year left until we'll see the finished product.'

Paul Bailey, UEA accomm-odation manager, said: 'This new project will provide some much-needed additional, purpose built student accommodation in a great location in our wonderful city.'

Becoming one of the tallest buildings in the city, spectacular views of the city and well-known landmarks can be seen from the top floor.

Eastern Daily Press: The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017The view across Norwich's skyline from the top of the new Pablo Fanque Tower during the topping out ceremony. Byline: Sonya Duncan Copyright: Archant 2017 (Image: Archant 2017)