ALMOST 650 students are set to call Walmgate home in just over two weeks as the new £60 million accommodation prepares to open its doors for the new academic year.

The Student Castle university accommodation, currently being built on the site of the former Press offices, is due to open to its first residents on September 12.

Private university accommodation specialist Student Castle is creating 648 rooms – made up of cluster flats, studio suites and twin rooms, in what will be its biggest site in the UK.

The project has created hundreds of construction jobs, and will lead to 20 on-site management jobs once the accommodation welcomes its first tenants.

Jacqui Hawthorn, chief operating officer at Student Castle, said: "We've had lots and lots of interest. Occupancy is really good for this year, our cluster flats have nearly all been taken, and we've just got a few studio rooms left.

"York has been a great city to come to. The main difference here is the universities really care and are very involved in their students' accommodation. It's a lot more cohesive and much better.

"We are really happy to be here and are very much looking forward to welcoming our first students."