Demolition work has just begun to clear the site for the 100-unit scheme for Liverpool-based, Westville Developments.

The scheme has been designed by architects Lewis & Hickey and will see an outdated pub, retail units and bedsits at 114-126 London Road make way for five storeys of student accommodation, ground floor retail/office space and basement parking.

The adjacent property, 128 London Road, has been identified by the planning authorities as a building of special historical interest and this will be refurbished and integrated with the new build scheme, providing two two-bedroom student apartments and the scheme’s management suite.

Due for completion by the end of August 2011 in time for the start of the 2011/2012 academic year, the development is the second student accommodation scheme to be built by Ocon on London Road and also follows the firm’s successful completion of the £12.2 ‘Stella Nova’ luxury residential scheme in Bootle last year.

The new development will see the contractor  build the 100 studio units, which will include individual bedroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities for future tenants.

Ocon managing director Andy Barker said : “Our involvement in this prestigious new scheme once again demonstrates that Ocon is at the forefront of the student accommodation sector, with an enviable reputation for delivering projects to programme and on budget.

“This is the latest in a number of student accommodation schemes currently on site, including projects that Ocon is building in Loughborough, Exeter, Dundee and Sussex.

“We’re delighted to be back in Liverpool after the success of our previous two Liverpool schemes,” he added, “and we’re looking forward to seeing the development take shape once we’re on site later in the summer.”