An Oxford University college has celebrated the start of development on its new student accommodation.

St Edmund Hall claimed its new building in Norham Gardens would allow the college to accommodate all its undergraduate students for the entirety of their course.

Students previously would have to find private accommodation in their second year.

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The new accommodation will welcome its first students in the autumn of 2026

Professor Baroness Kathrine Willis, principal of the college, said: “This once-in-a-generation development for the Hall of 127 study bedrooms and communal facilities embodies care for two precious things – our students and our planet.

“It will enable the Hall to meet its goal of accommodating all of its undergraduates, inspire a creative and inclusive college culture and lead the way in environmentally sustainable design.”

The 4,600m² development has been built at Norham St Edmund, the college’s postgraduate accommodation site off Banbury Road.

The college said the project would save students £2,000 in housing costs as they would not have to seek expensive private accommodation.

It claimed this would improve access to higher education for those from low-income backgrounds.

A ceremony last month saw college alumni, staff and students gather to hear speeches by university chancellor Lord Patten of Barnes and Professor Willis.

This was followed by a formal ground-breaking of the soil and a drinks reception on site.