A huge redevelopment project in Gloucester that will provide jobs and boost the economy has reached a "critical milestone", it has been announced today.

Developer Cityheart has submitted a detailed planning application to Gloucester City Council for a 295-bed student accommodation development, supporting ancillary space and improvements to Barbican Way car park in Gloucester.

The multi-million pound scheme is part of the University of Gloucestershire's plans to relocate their Business School from the Cheltenham campus to the Oxstalls Campus.

This move will transfer existing students and staff to the Gloucester campus, as well as accommodating the future increase in student numbers as the university expands the Business School.

University of Gloucestershire Vice-Chancellor Stephen Marston said: "The University congratulates Cityheart on achieving this critical milestone of submitting their full planning application.

"The University has worked closely with Cityheart, and with partners in the city and county councils, in developing the proposed scheme, which has been carefully designed to complement the historic environment.

"This will be a fantastic place for students to live, right in the heart of our city, and it will transform this long-derelict site into an asset for our community, with more students adding to the vibrancy of the city centre, and its economy, culture and nightlife."

The accommodation will be provided in a mix of townhouses, cluster flats and studio bedrooms across four blocks, together with ancillary supporting areas.

The general public will have access through the site via a pedestrianised street that will link Barbican Way to Ladybellgate Street.

A newly laid out car park with entrance from Barbican Way will provide a total of 93 additional spaces for general public use.

The application will now be considered by the council, with a target date for a determination being in February next year.

If the work gets the green light, Cityheart will start the construction of the development to ensure the facilities are open for the first intake of student residents in September 2018.

Gloucester MP Richard Graham said the application by Cityheart was a sign that the project was making progress.

"This application is a key moment," said Mr Graham. "It brings the University of Gloucestershire into the heart of our city centre regeneration, with Business School students coming to live in Blackfriars and increasing the buzz around The Gates.

"Timing is tight, so I'm pleased both the university and the council are working closely together on having accommodation ready for the new Business School opening."

Founded in 2005 by managing director, Mark McNamee, Cityheart specialises in working with the public sector.

The company has been particularly successful in regeneration projects and has delivered specialist healthcare, judicial and student accommodation buildings across the United Kingdom.

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