PLANS are being drawn up to build a new development of student bedrooms in the heart of the University of Essex’s Colchester campus.

It has record numbers of students and is planning for 50 per cent growth over five years.

The latest plans would provide 600 new en-suite study bedrooms on land allocated for new student residences on the university’s Knowledge Gateway site.

It would ensure the university had sufficient accommodation for all first-year students to be offered a place to live on campus in 2017. It is working with development partner, Uliving, which manages its University Quays and Meadows accommodation, to prepare plans to be submitted to Colchester Council.

The two organisations are asking for the views of residents and community groups on the plans.

Members of the community are invited to view and comment on the scheme, called the Meadows Phase 2 development, at a public exhibition in the Hexagon on the Colchester Campus on Tuesday, September 15, between 6pm and 8pm.

Members of the development team will be on hand to answer questions and explain the plans.

Alongside the plans for the Meadows, the university’s 50th anniversary Something Fierce exhibition will also be on display.

University Registrar Bryn Morris said: “Our ambitious expansion plans are vital to maintaining and enhancing our international reputation for excellence.

“We have invested £200 million in developing new living and learning spaces on our campuses, with our new Silberrad Student Centre, library extension and Essex Business School buildings opening earlier this year.

“The development of further student residences on our Colchester campus is the next step in securing the future success of the university.”