A BID to build a massive complex of halls for more than 500 university students on Ipswich Waterfront is due to go before town chiefs next week.

A BID to build a massive complex of halls for more than 500 university students on Ipswich Waterfront is due to go before town chiefs next week.

The development, earmarked for a large patch of land on Orwell Quay, off Duke Street, is part of the phased university masterplan that has already seen the construction of the new landmark UCS building on the Waterfront.

Featuring a contemporary design, the building would vary in height from four to nine storeys and accommodate 526 rooms.

A report on the complex reveals it will involve a central campus space, which will all be accessible to the general public, with high quality paving, street trees, sitting areas and feature lighting.

Richard Atkins, responsible for planning and economic development at Ipswich Borough Council, said an expanding university will bring many benefits to Ipswich.

He said: “I'm delighted about the progress of the university and housing is an essential component.

“The new building on the Waterfront looks impressive and it's interesting that having seen the artist's impressions all those months ago it is now a reality.

“With more students in the area they will be buying clothes, music, food and drink in the town and it will be a tremendous boost and add vibrancy to the town.”

The application, which will go before planners next Wednesday, comes on the back of proposals for an impressive eight-storey block of flats for around 180 students which were rubberstamped by town chiefs in June.

The building, which would be built off Duke Street in Ipswich, near the Waterfront's Orwell Quay development, has been earmarked to help meet student housing needs in the town.

Earlier this month a conditional green light was given to plans to build 76 student homes on the site of the vacant garage on St Margaret's Green, formerly used by Kwik-Fit.

Estimates suggest housing for around 2,750 students will be needed by 2015 as the town's university expands.

n. Do you think the housing needs for students are being met? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk