The university has started the hunt for a contractor to deliver the £36m building programme, which will run in three phases of about 400 rooms over the next 2-5 years.

Once a contractor is signed up, building work is expected to start early next year.

An invitation to express an interest was published today, which said the University would welcome innovative bids to construct/finance and or operate the new campus.

UWE Bristol bought 70 acres of land from its neighbour Hewlett-Packard three years ago with the aim of creating one of the most modern university campuses in the UK.

Its proposed development will offer a variety of accommodation from town house, dormitory and studio-style designs.

Some of the accommodation is being designed for housing should the student market diminish.

Contact Helen Baker: tel 011732 82239