WORK has started on the transformation of the University of Brighton’s largest campus.

Five new student accommodation blocks are being built along Lewes Road.

The new towers at the Moulsecoomb campus, ranging in height from eight to 18 floors, will provide more than 800 student bedrooms and space at ground level for new Students’ Union and fitness facilities.

The development is being built on the site of the university’s Mithras House car park and will be ready for students starting courses from September 2021.

Vice-chancellor Professor Debra Humphris said: “This is a huge milestone as work begins on the next stage of the university’s biggest ever capital development programme.

“The new student accommodation and other facilities that form part of the ‘Big Build’ will transform our biggest campus.

“But just as importantly, along with the commercial development of the neighbouring Preston Barracks site, they will also transform the whole local area for the benefit of all who live, work and study there.”

Development partner Uliving is taking on the financing, development and management of the new student facilities with a 50-year operating term.

The project will be delivered by construction company Bouygues UK.

Axel Boutrolle, Uliving’s CEO, said: “We are excited to be working with the University of Brighton to bring its ambitions to life.

“The Moulsecoomb campus will boost the availability of modern, high quality, purpose-built student accommodation in this vibrant city, freeing up homes for local families.”

The development started last September when work got under way on a new

multi-storey car park

that will replace all existing surface parking at the campus.

The new car park will open at the end of May this year.

Land freed up by the multi-storey car park is being used for the new student facilities and a new academic building that will provide a

state-of-the-art home

for the university’s Business School.

A new pedestrian bridge across the busy Lewes Road will link both sides of the campus, with improved walking routes through the campus, new green spaces and extensive landscaping.