A NEW student accommodation block will take shape in Oxford this month, with a 24-metre crane helping to create the five-storey building.

Somerville College’s Catherine Hughes Building will be constructed in Walton Street after the crane lifts more than 500 pre-assembled walls into place.

Oxford-based construction firm Beard is delivering the complex £8.4m project, which is being built in a confined site requiring sections of the building to be built off site and then craned in.

Beard contracts manager Richie Carter said: “Very early on in our involvement with this project we decided that this type of off-site panelled construction is a more efficient method of constructing a building in a tight space, particularly on an operational campus like this.

“It’s also a faster and more environmentally friendly process, which reduced our vehicle movements during construction of the structural frame by 80 per cent, lowering our carbon footprint and impact on the surrounding community.

“We’re really pleased with the scheme, which is progressing well. Passers-by will really be able to see the building taking shape over the next 11 weeks as the tower crane carefully lifts these panelled walls into place, creating the structure of the building.”

Due for completion in autumn next year, the Catherine Hughes Building will provide 68 student bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The rooms will be arranged in clusters with kitchens and linked spaces.

On the ground floor, a new reading room will be provided.

The scheme has been designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects.

The new building will allow the college to provide all undergraduate students with on-site accommodation.

Andrew Parker, treasurer and domestic bursar of Somerville College, said: “We are very pleased that the Catherine Hughes building is taking shape so quickly.

“When this work is complete we will be able to house all of our undergraduates here on our main site, reducing accommodation costs for our students and bringing our community closer together.”

Beard is an award-winning, £144m turnover construction company which operates across the South of England.

With offices in Oxford, Swindon, Bristol and Guildford, the company undertakes design and build, new build, restoration and refurbishment on a range of projects, including complex projects for public and private sector organisations. The firm, established in 1892, is expert in building for healthcare, arts and commerce.