A NEW student accommodation block has been handed over to Durham University well in advance of the forthcoming academic year.

The team behind the 96-room development at Van Mildert College completed the construction programme five weeks ahead of schedule.

Starting on site last November, the deadline for completion of the £3m project was September 16.

But partly because of the timber frame design chosen for the extension, the building took shape quicker than expected.

Project manager Peter McEwen, of the university's estates and buildings department, was keen to adopt this method of construction.

"The university already has one timber frame building, Fisher House, which was built in 1990. It has performed extremely well as student accommodation.

"I'm pleased that one of the last major schemes I've handled for the university has gone so well."

Mr McEwen said the department worked closely with consultants Atkins Faithful and Gould on a feasibility study to provide, "a best value solution".

Atkins Faithful and Gould director David Dent said although timber frames are used quite often in the budget hotel sector, it is unusual for student accommodation.

"The timber-framed construction, together with pre-fabricated bathroom pods, has combined to significantly reduce the construction period.

"It was a tight programme to begin with, because we had to undertake demolition works before we could begin work on the new block, so we're delighted with the time and cost savings which have resulted."

The new block, on Millhill Lane, features 96 en-suite study bedrooms and a three-bedroomed flat for a member of staff.

As the typical academic year lasts only 30 weeks the building has been designed to let as residential accommodation for visiting tourists, lecturers or conference-goers during the university holiday periods.