Now luck should be on side of students (From Worcester News)

Now luck should be on side of students

11:20am Tuesday 28th April 2009 in News

UNIVERSITY students will have luck on their side following the revival of an old tradition.

With construction continuing at the University of Worcester’s new modern student halls in St John’s, the old ritual of topping out was completed in front of the city’s mayor Lucy Hodgson.

The tradition involves planting an evergreen tree when builders complete the highest point of the build and is supposed to bring good fortune to those who will live and work in the finished halls.

University vice- chancellor professor David Green was joined by the mayor and the site’s project manager Nigel Boulton from Morgan Ashurst – the contractor is charge of the site – in Henwick Grove, Worcester, yesterday.

The new £10.6 million halls of residence, which opens to students in September, contains 182 bedrooms.

The rooms are 50 per cent bigger than standard student rooms, and each features an en suite bathroom.

Professor Green said: “These new halls of residence will provide our students with additional high quality accommodation.

“Over the past five years applications to the university have grown the fastest in the country and these new halls of residence will be full up straight away.”

Mr Boulton said: “It’s been fantastic to have Professor Green and Councillor Hodgson join us to celebrate this significant milestone.”

The bedroom furniture for the new halls has been manufactured by a Gloucestershire firm, providing employment for a team of 12 people for eight weeks.

Modern environmental features include rainwater harvesting and a high degree of thermal efficiency.