A major construction project in Southampton has reached a key milestone.

A topping out ceremony marked the completion of superstructure works on the Southampton City Gateway project.

When completed, the 15-storey, 364 bedroom Gateway tower will offer students panoramic views across the north of the city.

Work began on the project in February and motorists driving in and out of Southampton have watched it grow over the past nine months.

Now bosses from developer Bouygues Development and University of Southampton bosses have laid the final slab of concrete for the roof of the building.

Work will now commence on the interior of the building, which is scheduled to welcome its first residents next summer.

As well as providing residences for hundreds of students it will also feature a medical centre, a Lloyds pharmacy, a Morrisons convenience store and three other retail units, which are still available to let.

Axel Boutrolle, regional director for Bouygues, said: “It is wonderful to see how quickly the building has developed since the groundbreaking in February this year.

“Since the start of the project Bouygues Development has been working closely with all the stakeholders and there has been a real sense of team spirit ensuring a successful handover of the development next year.

“Southampton is undergoing investment and development and we are proud to be part of projects like City Gateway, which are helping to enhance the area and look forward to being involved in future opportunities.”

The university’s director of estates and facilities, Kevin Monaghan, said: “The university is looking forward to taking possession of this very prominent hall of residence, which we hope will soon become a firm favourite with our students.”