A PLAN to build 128 high-quality accommodation units for students of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has been given the go-ahead.

It comes as part of the university’s collaboration with the Rushmoor Development Partnership (RPD), a joint venture between Rushmoor Borough Council and Hill Investment Partnerships, which is set to revitalise the Aldershot town centre.

The plans detail the hope to create a new public square framed by retail, homes and the new ‘Union Yard’, a “creative space for small and independent businesses”.

Speaking of the collaboration, UCA deputy vice-chancellor Alan Cooke said: “The success of the university’s recruitment strategy and the increasing number of international students means the demand for university accommodation continues.

“Despite the upcoming completion of the Farnham residences project, the additional 250 bedrooms will still not meet the demand we are facing at this time.

“The Aldershot town redevelopment – incorporating 128 en-suite student bedrooms – provides an ideal opportunity for the university to add to its list of residential locations a short distance from the Farnham campus.”

The major development scheme aims to bring more footfall to the town, with hopes that the introduction of students will “inject energy and innovation to the town” – with the aims to nurture the skills of students by providing a start-up space for graduates through the scheme, as well as the launch of Aldershot’s digital hub, set to open in autumn.

Councillor David Clifford, leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, said the authority was “extremely delighted to have reached this important milestone”.

Martin Tennant, chair of the Rushmoor Development Partnership, commented: “We are grateful to all those who have been involved in bringing the scheme together and creating this opportunity to regenerate this part of Aldershot.

"This scheme will be a catalyst for further investment, enhancing links to the creative sector, creating jobs and bringing much-needed high-quality homes into the town centre.”