A major development in Hereford should be completed by the end of the year after being delayed by the pandemic.

New student accommodation at Station Approach was due to be ready for the new term at Hereford College of the Arts, but work was put back by Covid.

But having brought in new working arrangements to safeguard construction staff, the 178 rooms should be available to be handed over to students by the start of 2021.

At the moment they are housed in temporary accommodation across the city after last minute arrangements had to be made during the lockdown.

It’s an important development for both the college and the city, because the rooms will allow the college to attract students from further afield for its specialist courses.

Evidence shows that students tend to stay in the area where they got their degree as they start to develop their careers, so the city benefits from an influx of talent.

And with the college having a very strong record of producing graduates who start their own businesses, it’s good news for the local economy.

College Principal Abigail Appleton says its an exciting time for the city, especially with the arrival of the new NMITE university who will also house their students at Station Approach.

“We are an independent, specialist education provider. Herefordshire already has a strong educational offer. The new accommodation helps us develop further our degree level work. And NMITE strengthens the county’s specialised educational offer.

”This is all good for the long term development of the city.”

Helping to build collaboration and creativity are two of the reasons why the College has decided to support the Three Counties Farmer awards taking place in November.

The College is one of the newly-announced sponsors and have helped to make this year’s awards the most successful.

The finalists will be announced in a special supplement in the Hereford Times on October 15 with a star-studded live online broadcast on November 26.