£30m student accommodation building takes shape at UEA in Norwich

The new student accommodation at the UEA where Vice-Chancellor David Richardson(centre) performed the topping out ceremony on the roof.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

But the landscape of the UEA is expanding, as it aims to take on thousands more students in the coming years.

Part of this is the 514-bedroom Blackdale student accommodation building, which is rapidly taking shape.

Construction started in April 2015 and a topping out ceremony took place this week, marking a major milestone in the £30m project.

It is anticipated that the building will be ready for opening before September, when a new cohort of freshers starts at the university.

The new student accommodation at the UEA where Vice-Chancellor David Richardson performed the topping out ceremony on the roof.PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY (Image: ARCHANT NORFOLK)

Bosses have hailed the new block, on the eastern edge of the campus on the former Blackdale School site, as highly energy-efficient.

They will be targeting BREEAM (British Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent certification.

David Richardson, vice chancellor of UEA, last year revealed ambitions to increase numbers by 20pc from the current student population of around 14,600 - part of a 15-year vision.

'All of this will help meet the demand for student accommodation as the university continues to build upon its success and grow,' said Mr Richardson. 'This accommodation will be among the very best in its class and will help to attract students to live and learn with us - the local economy will undoubtedly also share in our success.'

UEA was founded in 1963 and has grown significantly, with a 2010 study estimating it contributed £420m into the local economy.