WORK is due to start this year on an accommodation complex for up to 300 students at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB).

The development, next to the existing Wallisdown campus, is to go ahead after AUB secured £20million in financing from HSBC UK.

Plans for the hall of residences are part of an expansion which was first approved in outline in 2016.

Most of the student homes will have en suite facilities and the development will emphasise sustainability, with upgraded pedestrian and cycle routes to connect the site with the nearby bus hub and other areas.

Nick Welch, chief operating officer at Arts University Bournemouth, said: “AUB’s new campus development will help meet increasing demand for high quality student accommodation that is located in close proximity to the campus.

“Our decision to partner with HSBC UK for this project wasn’t purely based on its financial competitiveness. The team, led by Richard Hoyle, was able to demonstrate a host of value-added initiatives which will help us realise our growth ambitions and support our students. We look forward to getting started on the work and welcoming new students to the campus in 2020.”

Suzy Verma, head of public sector and education at HSBC UK, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with such a creative and successful institution to not only support its ambitious campus development, but to build a strategic relationship with the university that adds real value to its staff and students.

“This includes utilising HSBC UK’s international footprint, leveraging the experience of our cross-sector teams and facilitating introductions with key industry stakeholders. It’s this strategic support that secured this long-term partnership with Arts University Bournemouth.”

As well as a £20m finance facility, HSBC UK is offering support in the form of ‘strategic round table discussions’, introductions to leading industry professionals and international counsel as the university explores emerging markets for higher education collaboration and partnerships.

The bank will also offer a ‘financial wellbeing programme’ to help students plan and manage their finances.

AUB is one of a small number of higher education institutions devoted solely to art, design, media and performance. Its graduate employment rate of 98 per cent is the joint highest among English universities.