THE new student accommodation block in Hereford is set to open in September, with the first picture of inside the block released.

Construction work at No 1 Station Approach should be finished by the end of July, managers say, after a number of delays.

Preparations will then be made in August in time for the first students from Hereford's new university NMITE and Hereford College of Arts to move in in September.

The block has 178 single bedrooms, all with an en-suite shower-room, as well as a large common room, recreation and study area on the ground floor, and all the facilities expected in what the management company says is "high-quality, purpose-built student accommodation".

The development also includes secure cycle storage, an on-site laundry, fast Wi-Fi connection in all areas and outdoor spaces.

Hereford Times: A completed kitchen inside the new student accommodation in Station Approach, Hereford A completed kitchen inside the new student accommodation in Station Approach, Hereford

Cityheart Living, a student accommodation company, says plans are being progressed to bring an exciting programme of public art to the building, which is part of Hereford's town's fund bid from #StrongerHereford.

Arts college principal Abigail Appleton said the development is a milestone in the continuous development of the college's "exceptional" offer for degree students, and in the city’s commitment to supporting higher education.

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"From the start we worked with our partners to ensure the design of No. 1 Station Approach would support student wellbeing, creativity and collaboration," she said.

"It is thrilling to see these ambitions realised and I can’t wait to see HCA and NMITE students make it their student home”.

Elena Rodriguez-Falcon, NMITE chief executive and president, said there is growing excitement ahead of welcoming the first cohort of students in September, and the new student accommodation forms "an impressive addition" to the provision.

Hereford Times: The first section of the student accommodation block being lifted into place at the Station Approach site in Hereford in February 2020. Picture: Malcolm Hince The first section of the student accommodation block being lifted into place at the Station Approach site in Hereford in February 2020. Picture: Malcolm Hince

"Superbly located within walking distance from our main campus and Hereford City Centre, No. 1 Station Approach will assist our students in feeling welcome, independent, and safe in our modern, well equipped, spacious, and sociable student accommodation," she said.

"Here at NMITE we remain committed to keeping student wellbeing, independence, and opportunity centric to our educational experience and our No. 1 Station Approach accommodation has been beautifully crafted to both meet and exceed these needs”.

Herefordshire Council leader David Hitchiner said: “The completion of the first purpose-built accommodation in the summer is set to help attract and truly enhance the experience of students living and studying in Hereford.

"We look forward to welcoming higher education students back to our city in September. They are a key part of our city life and its recovery following a difficult time.”