THE green light has been given for construction of a new student accommodation facility to begin in Hereford.

Official approval for works to begin at the Station Approach site, currently in use as a car park, has been given following a decision taken on June 10.

Building work on the 178 bed purpose-built facility can now start within the next few weeks, with the aim of completing the build ready for students to move in by September 2020.

The block will offer accommodation to both students at Hereford College of Arts and NMiTE.

Herefordshire Council said the development of Higher Education is critical to supporting the economic prosperity of the city and wider county, providing opportunities for people to live and learn in Herefordshire, and establishing a workforce that will help local businesses continue to flourish as well as attract new investment.

Councillor David Hitchiner, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The new student accommodation will provide high quality purpose-built facilities, making Herefordshire an even more attractive proposition for young people looking to study here.

"We are delighted that this will support our local higher education providers and promote Herefordshire as a great place to study and live.

“Station Approach is a key project within the council’s Development and Regeneration Programme, which will support economic development in the county.”

The project will be financed by an external provider and operated by a specialist company. The freehold of the site will be retained by the council.

The council car park at Station Approach will close to allow the development, but the NCP car park will continue to operate.

Residents and visitors are asked to make use of the existing capacity in the council’s other car parks around the city centre, and new signage along Station Approach will direct people to Merton Meadow.

For more information about alternative parking please

visit the Herefordshire Council website here.