The development received planning permission in March and Willmott Dixon is set to start on site imminently.

The contractor has been appointed by design, build, finance and operate consortium Staffordshire Campus Living for an improved student residential offering as part of the scheme.

Staffordshire Campus Living is formed by Hochtief PPP Solutions UK and Ireland, Willmott Dixon, Plenary, Pinnacle Group and Staffordshire University.

Dan Doyle, operations director at Willmott Dixon, said: “We will be incorporating modern methods of construction and offsite manufacturing to ensure it is a low-carbon development.

“Combine this with renewable energy sources, building to Passivhaus design principles, the university will have a development with a strong character and identity – fostering a sense of place and community.”

Designed by Corstorphine & Wright, FIRA and Ramboll, the village will provide 700 new student rooms in a mix of cluster blocks and townhouses.

It includes the refurbishment of the Clarice Cliff Court accommodation that will improve its energy efficiency by 250% through new low-energy solutions.

Demolition of existing student accommodation on the university’s Leek Road site following the completion of the Student Village will make way for accessible parkland, which will result in a project biodiversity net gain of 12%.

The Student Village also includes a net-zero carbon in operation ‘hub’, which will provide individual and group study areas, flexible use space, and an outdoor seating area on the rooftop terrace. 

A new pedestrian bridge and boardwalk will link the new accommodation and ‘hub’ with the university’s wider Leek Road site.