INCREASED demand for student accommodation at the University of York will be met thanks to funding from a bank.

The Royal Bank of Scotland has provided cash for a range of development projects - including the first phase of new student residential buildings.

The funding will allow the university to provide 450 additional bed spaces, addressing demands on the campus which has expanded to accomodate more than 10,000 students since it was founded in 1963.

Under the plans, the existing Bleachfield residences will be demolished and replaced with new accommodation.

The Alcuin site will use land to the north of existing student houses and will link new provision for the National Science Learning Centre.

Four new houses for provosts will also be constructed as part of the project.

University of York spokesman Graham Gilbert said: "Our plans for new accommodation and other developments on our current campus, and its proposed extension, demonstrate our growing success and our commitment to providing high-quality facilities for our students.

"We welcome the funding from the Royal Bank of Scotland for these exciting projects."

The plan is not linked in any way to the university's campus expansion plans at Heslington East. That scheme, which has attracted controversy, would nearly double the campus size and accommodate 3,300 more students.

The 280-acre development, which will cost £500 million, has been criticised by local residents, campaign groups and the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).

Ron Bowron, relationship director at The Royal Bank of Scotland Yorkshire Corporate Banking team, worked on the deal, which will see the realisation of the Alcuin site.

Mr Bowron said: "Our extensive expertise in the higher education sector has enabled us to provide a competitive revolving credit facility.

"The Royal Bank remains committed to continuing to work with the University of York to support the many exciting opportunities that are being pursued."

Updated: 10:51 Wednesday, June 01, 2005