Kier has been named as preferred bidder to deliver a new £53.5m student accommodation scheme for the University of Northampton.

Forming part of the University’s new £330 million Waterside campus, the development will provide 1,166 student bedrooms through a mix of four-storey townhouses and five-storey cluster flats. It will also house a 32-bed teaching hotel, commercial and ancillary space.

Construction on the scheme is due to begin later this year with completion scheduled for 2017. The first students are expected to move into the houses and flats at the start of the academic year in September.

This contract is the latest in a number of projects Kier has delivered in the area recently, and extends its excellent relationship with the University of Northampton.

Kier also recently completed the ‘Lincoln Gateway’ scheme for the University of Lincoln which provides accommodation for 519 students.

Mark Dady, managing director at Kier, said: “Being awarded this scheme is testament to the relationship we’ve built with the University over the past few years and we’re pleased to see this continue.

“We have a strong presence in Northampton and we’re looking forward to delivering another important scheme in the area. Kier has extensive experience in providing student accommodation across the country and this project gives us the opportunity to further enhance that.”

University of Northampton Vice Chancellor, Professor Nick Petford, said: “The University are delighted to announce the appointment of Kier to build the residential area at the Waterside Campus.

“Kier understands the local area and the way in which this will be a catalyst for regeneration in Northampton. The University, Kier and the other contractors developing the campus, are determined to create the maximum positive social impact for communities across the town and county.”