The construction of a new city-centre development for students has reached a key stage with a traditional topping out ceremony.

The nine-storey building next to Norwich bus station is being built to house students at the Norwich University of the Arts as it continues to expand.

The £10 million project, known as Norwich University of the Arts Halls - All Saints Green, will have 228 bedrooms, and is set to welcome its first students in September.

The development includes the refurbishment and renovation of a grade II listed building, 50 All Saints Green, which is next door.

The topping out ceremony, which took place on the ninth floor on Thursday, allowed guests to get a feel for what the new building will look like once complete, visit a completed showcase bedroom, and enjoy refreshments in the recently-finished social area.

They then headed to the top of the building to see the scale of the development and toast the milestone.

Morgan Sindall is delivering the scheme for Alumno Developments.

David Campbell, managing director of Alumno Developments, said: 'The provision of good quality accommodation will undoubtedly enhance the continued growth and success of NUA and the city, in attracting and nurturing creative talent from not only across the UK but increasingly from overseas.

'The detailed and considered design of the building will ensure that the All Saints Green Halls will add a new dynamic to the city skyline. Together with the refurbishment of 50 All Saints Green and the creation of the new pocket park, the development will also offer many more positive and far reaching benefits to this area of the city.'

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