STUDENTS in Winchester will enjoy one of the finest views in the city after the university’s new student village was unveiled on Monday (October 14).

The University of Winchester’s new £25m facility on Burma Road was officially opened at a ceremony led by Dame Mary Fagan, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire and Chancellor of the university.

Also present were the Mayor Winchester Cllr Ernie Jeffs and his wife, Barbara Jeffs, and deputy leader of Winchester City Council, Cllr Rob Humby.

Dame Mary began the tour with a visit to the university’s new state-of-the-art gym, before meeting residents in the student halls.

“I was bit worried at how tidy the rooms were! I think they’re really lovely flats with a wonderful view of the cathedral,” she said.

Sarah Wootton, 18, a first year Ancient Classical and Medieval Studies student, has just moved into the halls.

She said: “At first I thought, oh no, I’m really high up. But when I saw the view I thought, wow, this is amazing!”

Built by Osborne Developments, work was started in early 2012 and completed in time for the arrival of the latest intake of students in September 2013.

There are five blocks at the site, with 499 rooms. Of those, 408 are for University of Winchester students and the remaining 91 are to be leased to Sparsholt College.

The buildings are divided into flats of six to eight bedrooms, all with swipe card entry systems and energy-saving features such as automatic lighting controls.

Student rent includes energy bills and access to free wifi, while there are seven bedrooms adapted for wheelchair users and facilities to assist hearing-impaired students.

Professor Joy Carter, vice-chancellor at the university, said she was proud of the premises and its green credentials.

“We have got lots of energy saving going on in our building. The most important thing is that students love living here. First year students have told us that coming here and seeing this accommodation has helped them make their decision in coming here,” she said.

Donning her university scarf, Dame Mary then braved blustery weather to mark the occasion by planting a tree at the foot of the new student halls.