Kier Construction has been appointed as the main contractor to build the University of Northampton's St John's student residences development.

Kier beat off fierce competition to win a competitive tender after the University was granted planning permission in April to build a new hall of residence in Northampton town centre on the site of the St John’s surface car park.

The new halls, which are due to be completed by December 2013, will comprise 464 bedrooms.

The University took ownership of the site on 19 June, and work on site has already started with Kier undertaking archaeological and ground investigative work. Site hoardings are also being erected in preparation for early construction work on site in the week commencing


9 July.

The University's director of infrastructure services, Gill Winder, said: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kier Construction to build the St John's student residences. With an established office in Rushden, Kier is a local company, employing local people, and they understand Northampton and its people.

"Our appointment of Kier, which is leading the industry when it comes to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, is just one way we are demonstrating that we are taking our commitment to local people seriously. The Code commits those sites and companies registered with the Scheme to be considerate neighbours, as well as respectful, environmentally conscious, responsible and accountable; they must also consider site appearance and safety."

It is expected that the new development at St John’s will generate an extra £2.9m spending in the town each year. This is in addition to the £200m the University contributes to the regional economy every year.

(CD/GK)