More campus rooms on the horizon

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Architects have been appointed to draw up plans for a second phase of the popular Lewes Court residences.

The 130 bedrooms, in six-person cluster flats, will be similar in design to phase 1 but with the addition of an en-suite bathroom to each bedroom.

The new development is part of the University's housing strategy, launched in 1989, which has already produced 1,000 additional bed spaces, both on campus and in Brighton, at a cost of £25m.

A key objective of the strategy is to offer students a choice of style and design: the new development will meet the increasing demand for en-suite rooms while retaining the generous social and communal space, which residents say they like.

The style of housing on campus has been developed in close consultation with students and views on the design of the new flats are welcome. Later this term copies of the drawings will be displayed in prominent positions in student residences and students are invited to comment by contacting either the Housing Office in Bramber House or the 24-hour reception in York House.

Subject to financial and planning approval, work should begin on site next summer, with completion in time for the start of the 2002 academic year. Further small developments are planned off campus, including the creation of six studio flats at the Kings Road residence.

The new builds follow one of the University's biggest refurbishment and upgrading programmes, which took place over the summer. Norwich House has undergone a full revamp; Holland House now has new furnishings and fittings in the top two floors; and a phased programme of upgrading and improvements has continued in Park Village, East Slope and properties in Brighton and Hove.