Work is underway on a seven-storey block of student accommodation in Bournemouth.

Last year, St Peter's Hall in Hinton Road was demolished to make way for the development. The building had previously been used as a nightclub, but was left vacant for a number of years resulting in its dilapidation.

Last June planning permission was granted for a seven-storey student development consisting of 102 rooms, as well as a cafe on the ground floor.

Work is now underway to develop the site, which is due for completion in time for the 2018-19 academic year.

The plans were not unanimously supported, with Bournemouth Civic Society describing the development as 'shameful', suggesting the original building should have been restored.

Developers Stamford Hinton LLP were unable to save the original stone sign following the demolition of church hall, but will replace the stone header and keep the building's name.

Previously applications to develop the site into student housing had been rejected by council planners, including a 2010 plan, which was dismissed because of its negative impact on the Old Christchurch Road Conservation Area.