Aberystwyth University has announced that six companies have progressed to the joint competitive dialogue stage for the development of new halls of residence that will provide modern self-catering accommodation for 1000 students.

The companies are Sir Robert McAlpine Limited, Miller Construction Limited, Balfour Beatty Student Accommodation, Kier Northern Limited, City Heart and Evans Management Limited.

This is the latest phase in a process that was initiated at the beginning of March when the University issued a contract notice via the Official Journal of the European Union, inviting expressions of interest from potential developers.

The University is seeking partners and innovative solutions to meet the need to continue to provide excellent accommodation to its students into the future.

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The potential development would represent an increase of 500 beds on current levels as well as replacing existing accommodation, and provide an opportunity to further develop the unique and popular student experience Aberystwyth has to offer.

Subject to planning approval, the new halls of residence will be located on Penglais farm, on land immediately behind the existing award winning Pentre Jane Morgan student village.

Building work on the new halls is not expected to commence until the summer of 2012 at the earliest with the first students expected to take up residence in September 2013. Construction costs are expected to be in the region of £40m to £45m.

Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Aberystwyth University said: "Aberystwyth offers one of the best student experiences in the UK. This project represents the biggest single strategic element of the University's strategic plan and underlines its commitment to improving the quality of the accommodation it has to offer to students with an emphasis on self-catering en-suite facilities.

"As the process unfolds, as well as working closely with the local community and planners, the University will be engaging with student representatives to ensure the new halls provide the living experience, in terms of social and technological facilities, that future generations of Aberystwyth students will expect."

(CD)/KMcA)