Construction work on the first phase of the Northfield student residences is complete - and the contractor is about to hand it over to the University.

From this autumn, the 14 halls of residence - three four-storey and 11 three-storey blocks - will be home to 777 Sussex students.

In all there are 744 study-bedrooms, 12 family flats and 21 studio flats. Each cluster of six single study-bedrooms contains its own communal living space - including kitchen and dining areas - and its own secure entry point and corridor.

Charles Dudley, director of Residential, Sport & Trading Services, says: "The new residences will help meet the growing demand for high-quality en-suite rooms within a housing portfolio that offers choice and cheaper rooms for those who want to pay less for their accommodation."

In addition to the student accommodation, a reception building will house the site manager, launderette, mail room, larger common room, cleaners' and maintenance spaces, storage and ancillary spaces.

The complex has 272 secure bicycle parking spots (one for every three residents) and eight car parking spaces, four of which are for wheelchair users.

A number of energy-efficiency measures include green roofs (which increase insulation and provide greater biodiversity), low-energy lighting, double glazing and recycling facilities.

Although the contractor, Ocon, has finished work on this first phase, it's still on site - because construction has begun of 180 additional bedrooms in three blocks at the western end of the Northfield development. Phase two is due for completion by summer 2012.