The Pickstock Group has opened its doors to the first phase of its brand new student accommodation scheme in Colchester, named The Maltings.

381 students moved in during the last weekend of September, ready to begin the 2014/15 academic year at the University of Essex.

Pickstock Construction took just 12 months to complete the build. Elements Europe provided a modular solution to the scheme, manufacturing and installing all rooms as well as corridor and stair cassettes, and its roof structure.

The scheme offers a wide range of accommodation options for students, Elements Europe manufactured seven types of rooms for the scheme, all designed to offer a contemporary space to sleep, study and socialise.

Communal facilities at The Maltings include a cinema room, a large common room with comfortable seating including a games area, a communal kitchen for students to hold events, and a launderette.

A section of the development offers retail and leisure letting opportunities for businesses interested in becoming part of the scheme, the first of which, Boadicea Bar & Restaurant is due to open in November.

Kate Pickstock, Development Surveyor for The Pickstock Group commented “It’s great to see students enjoying the facilities here at The Maltings.” Kate added “The second phase is progressing well. We look forward to completing the development and welcoming more students.”

Elements Europe will manufacture and install a further 398 rooms to Phase 2 of the scheme which is due to open in September 2015. This will complete the scheme and will in total offer 779 rooms to students studying at the University of Essex.