The University’s colourful new student accommodation has become a vibrant addition to the Southend skyline.

Due for completion in September, the development of the 561-room University Square includes many green and sustainable features.

The outside of the ten-storey London Road phase of the development is nearly complete. The scaffolding has been taken down to reveal the vibrant, external design, which includes three huge clock faces.

Internally, this block is more than 50 per cent complete and will be the first completed phase of University Square. The ‘cluster’ kitchens have a modern/contemporary feel and, along with the study rooms, will offer high-quality accommodation for students in October. Current Southend Campus students and prospective students will be able to tour the accommodation later this month.

The main superstructure to College Way, Queens Road and the Podium blocks are all at various stages of construction.

Some of the sustainability features of this development include recycled rainwater to flush toilets, rape seed oil boilers within and heat recovery in the kitchen spaces which takes the heat from exhausted air and transfers the heat to fresh incoming air, to reduce operating/heating costs.

Commenting on the design, Bob Mack, Dean of Southend campus, said: ‘I like it. It’s different, it’s modern and I think students will like it too. It makes the University and the town stand out.’

Students can register for the new accommodation at: http://www.essex.ac.uk/accommodation/Southend/accommodation.shtm.