BUILDING work to create accommodation for hundreds of university students is well under way in Huddersfield.

Huge cranes and masses of scaffolding are dominating the skyline near Huddersfield University at Firth Street.

The street has been a hive of building activity now that work to create two student hostel sites is well under way.

One 257 bedroom hostel is being built at Upper Aspley Mills by Watkin Jones Construction.

The site was previously occupied by textile firm N Batley.

Watkin Jones is also converting the former Brewfitts site, at the other end of Firth Street, into another hostel block with 500 bedrooms.

The rooms will be let to students by Watkin Jones.

The blocks will have communal laundrettes, living-rooms and a reception office.

All study bedrooms are equipped with en-suite shower rooms.

The developments are intended to be car-free as they are within walking distance of the university.

The plans originally attracted opposition from Huddersfield University, which claimed development would eat up land for extending the university campus in future.

Huddersfield Civic Society also objected, saying the areas would be better used as multi-storey car parks.