A significant block of student accommodation in Sheffield has taken a step closer to being constructed after a deal was agreed between developers and a unnamed student accommodation provider.

The multi-million-pound project, located at the junctions of Moore Street, Fitzwilliam Street and Thomas Street will provide enough accommodation for more than 800 students.

The site is currently occupied by the former Stokes Tiles Centre and surrounding properties.

Developers Litton Buccleuch have now exchanged contracts on the 12-storey scheme with an unknown student accommodation provider.

The development will consist of four connected blocks, providing student flats, and retail units and cafes on the ground floor.

Plans have yet to be granted formal approval, but if given the go-ahead construction work is due to start in May 2018 and will take around two years to complete.

Litton Buccleuch represents a joint venture between Litton Property Group and Buccleuch Property, with the company having spent two years on the scheme.

It's hoped the student development will trigger further residential developments in the adjoining Devonshire Quarter.

Commenting on the scheme. Marks Twelves of Litton Buccleuch, said: "We are delighted to have exchanged contracts with a dynamic and forward-thinking student provider, whose track record in other cities speaks for itself.

"The finished product will provide high specification student living in a prime location between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University and within the inner ring road.

"The city council, its planners and both universities are in broad support of the scheme that will complement Sheffield council’s progressive regeneration proposals for the city centre and provide the universities with a further selling platform in a very competitive market."