ARTISTS’ impressions revealing the design of new student accommodation in East Oxford have now been revealed.

The Dorothy Wadham Building in Iffley Road is being built on the site of a former VW showroom which was occupied by a group of homeless people for about two months until they were ordered to leave in February last year.

Construction work for the Dorothy Wadham Building, which will feature 135 student bedrooms for second year students, started in March last year and is now almost at the half way stage.

The accommodation, designed by architects Allies and Morrison, is expected to ready for the start of the academic year in October 2019.

The site is covered with information boards about the scheme and work currently taking place includes window frame installation on Charles Street and Iffley Road and the delivery of bathrooms.

A statement on the college website said: “The Dorothy Wadham Building is designed to blend with other buildings in the local area in terms of external appearance and materials used.

“Student accommodation will be car-free and bicycle storage will be located at the rear of the site.

“In addition to a porters’ lodge at the entrance, the gated Dorothy Wadham building will have CCTV, a resident site manager and a Sub Dean to ensure that the college’s code of behaviour, high standards and excellent reputation are maintained at all times.

“The site will have an attractive internal courtyard garden, a garden room/TV lounge, a computer room and laundry room.

“Single occupancy ensuite bedrooms will be built in clusters with shared kitchen/dining areas.”

Green city councillor Craig Simmons, who lives in nearby Magdalen Road, said: “The college has so far proved itself a good neighbour to residents and hopefully that will continue.”

Founded in 1610 by Nicholas and Dorothy Wadham, the college is now home to about 450 undergraduates and up to 200 graduate students.

Famous alumni include former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and architect Sir Christopher Wren.

The next community liaison meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 15 at 6pm.

It will take place at the Gladiator club, on the corner of Percy Street and Iffley Road.