More than 700 UEA students are facing last-minute accommodation changes after crumbling concrete was discovered in a landmark campus building.

Following new government guidance on reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (Raac), the University of East Anglia began investigations this week into whether any of its buildings contain the material, which is prone to collapse as it ages.

And bosses have now announced the concrete was used in the building of its renowned ziggurats - the instantly recognisable accommodation block looking onto the Broad.

The Grade II* listed buildings contain 750 rooms used to house students, who were due to arrive for the new term in the coming days.

But following the discovery of Raac, the ziggurats have now been closed, with officials scambling to reorganise arrangements in time for the academic year.
Eastern Daily Press:

David Maguire, vice chancellor of the UEA, said: "The safety of our students, staff and visitors is paramount.

"Following risk assessment and due diligence work, we have identified spaces with RAAC.

"Therefore, in line with new government guidance, we are closing some spaces and relocating students.

"The affected spaces will remain closed until we can be certain that they are safe."

The closure will also affect visitor accommodation in Broadview Lodge and the top floors of Nelson Court and Constable Terrace.

Affected students will be relocated into alternative accommodation - either on campus or in the city centre.

Prof Maguire added: "We realise that this could be a stressful time for both the students being moved and those due to arrive and return.

"We will be communicating with them directly over the coming days so they're aware of the alternative accommodation and to make sure they have everything they need to settle into life here at UEA.

"There will be no additional costs to students as a result of any changes."

The university has around 16,800 students, with almost 7,000 new ones expected to start this term.

The government's updated guidance on Raac has seen more than 100 schools announce last minute closures or partial closures this month.

The material was widely used until the 1990s, as a cheap alternative to concrete. But it has a shelf-life of just 30 years.