Demolition work has started at the University of Stirling's Murray Hall as part of a £38m project, Urban Realm has reported.

The work will pave the way for the second phase of the development which will deliver new student housing, a conference venue and events space.

The latest build, which is valued at £12m, will be known as Beech Court and will provide BREEAM Excellent rated accommodation for 290 students.

The work on this phase is scheduled for completion in September 2014.

Delivered by Graham Construction and designed by Lewis and Hickey, the new scheme has been designed to better integrate with the landscaped grounds of the University as well as offering upgraded accommodation.

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Karen Plouviez, director of estates and campus services at the University, is quoted as saying: "Murray Hall opened in 1971 and has been home for many thousands of students in the intervening years.

"On the one hand, its demolition signals the end of an era – and I'm sure many of our alumni will be sad to see it disappear. But, on the other hand, it signals the start of a new chapter in our history and there is a great sense of excitement at the University as the first phase of the project nears completion.

"The new accommodation being developed includes state of the art en-suite rooms arranged into flats for between five and 10 students, townhouses for nine students and flats for students with families.

"The design phase for the accommodation included a number of consultation events with students so the new accommodation reflects many of the features they cited as important – for instance, good natural light, plenty of storage, and modern and well-equipped social space."

Once the entire development is completed, it will deliver 788 bedrooms at four locations by 2015, and in the process, will replace 40% of the University's residential accommodation.

(JP/CD)