Southend-on-Sea Borough Council granted planning for the project last month, which will replace the high pressure laminate cladding system on the 500 student-room buildings.

The replacement design for the University Square blocks will be significantly toned down from its bold primary colour cladding.

New cladding design for blocks in town centre

Cladding colours will be mixed together to create a more interesting small fish scale pattern on the elevations moving away from the brighter geometrical pattern of the existing Trespa panels.

Interested firms have until 8 April to submit bids. Email Jo Woodward at the University for further details.