Workmen compared building a new student block to a “jigsaw” as a giant crane was lowered into place by another yesterday.

Ship Street, in Oxford, was closed for 12 hours as one lifted a 80ft tower crane into an enclosed square bordering Broad Street.

The site is the former home of tourist attraction The Oxford Story, but by next summer will be hall of residence for Jesus College.

The crane will lift building materials on to the site which cannot fit through the only entrance — a two-yard-wide archway.

Workmen were also having to contend with building around part of the city walls.

Work began on the enclosed site in January and so far the roof and interior has been stripped.

Bob Simon, construction manager, said: “It’s very difficult logistically because without the crane everything would have to fit through a small archway.

“The whole thing is like a jigsaw puzzle.”