A NEW soaring quintet of buildings are welcoming over 800 students as the start of the academic year begins.

The five towers of Mithras Halls in Lewes Road, a new hall of residence for the University of Brighton, range from eight and 18 storeys tall and rise from the redeveloped campus at Moulsecoomb.

Each tower has a name linked to a part of the city - with Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

The new buildings are just one part of the university’s Big Build project, which also includes new academic facilities, accommodation, shops and leisure facilities.

One student enjoying the high-rise style in her new home is Lucy Donaldson, 22, who has moved to the city from Northern Ireland to study environmental sciences.

She said: “The rooms are modern and spacious with plenty of storage. I really like the minimalist design, which makes it easy to have your own personal touch, and it’s great being able to live and study on campus.”

As well as providing homes for new students, the transformation of the Moulsecoomb skyline will also bring jobs and wider economic benefits to the area.

The development meets the highest environmental and sustainability standards, with new green spaces with over 300 trees, and improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. The halls also boast a multi-storey car park with 55 electric charging points.

The Argus: Students living in the new halls of residence have stunning views from across the cityStudents living in the new halls of residence have stunning views from across the city

Professor Debra Humphris, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “The Big Build has transformed our Moulsecoomb campus, providing a mix of new academic, residential, retail and leisure facilities and giving our students and staff the best possible university experience.

“It truly is a bold new gateway for the city. The investment we’ve made at Moulsecoomb will have a major impact not just on our university community but on our neighbours, local businesses and all our partners and stakeholders across Brighton and beyond.”

The new towers also mean the university is able to guarantee accommodation for all first-year students, easing pressure on the rental market in Brighton and Hove.

Developments will continue over the autumn with the completion of new facilities for the students’ union, including a state-of-the-art gym, as well as a sleek and fully accessible footbridge spanning Lewes Road to link all part of the campus together - due to be completed next year.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.