Hartpury College will see even more students able to study at the campus after completion of its newest accommodation block.

The £2 million block, constructed by Gloucester-based Speller Metcalfe, has just opened its doors to this year's intake of students. The 42-bedroom building will be home to students studying diplomas and A Levels at the college.

At the height of the 10-month building project, there were up to 50 workers on site. Speller Metcalfe used 15 sub-contractors to assist with the project, 90 per cent of who were based within 30 miles of the site.

The two-storey building is situated at the heart of the campus next to Hartpury's Sports Academy. The academy building is also set to more than double in size over the next year as part of another new development.

Harpury Principal Russell Marchant said: "We want our students to have the best possible experience during their time with us. This new development will help to do exactly that.

"For many this is their first time away from home and it's essential that Hartpury is a home away from home for them. This superb new block will provide a number of students with modern living facilities during their time at Hartpury."

Bill Cave, Small Works Director at Speller Metcalfe said: "It has been fantastic working with a client who is willing to invest in up-to-date facilities to enhance its student's overall educational experience.

"The majority of works were carried out during term time which meant that the project required careful coordination and management to keep disruptions to a minimum."

The new development meets the growing need for additional accommodation for the college, ensuring that students develop independence while studying and feel part of a wider college community.

Here at Punchline we think it's great to see investment in education, but we would particularly like to congratulate Hartpury on using so many local contractors and suppliers for the project. Gloucestershire has such a talented pool of construction companies, including Barnwood Construction, Kier, Markey Construction, EG Carter, Vitruvius, King Builders, Dove Construction and Britannia to name but a few. With so many of them in the county, it really makes sense to use them.