The first students are set to move in at the new University of Essex Southend at the end of the month.

Officials originally hoped staff would move on to the High Street campus during November, with students following during the current term.

Construction delays have set the date back.

Marketing manager Clare Lindsay said today: "There are some staff working there already, getting things ready, but the building has not yet been handed over to the university.

"As with all building projects of this size, there are the odd delays, but we are still confident the first students will be in the building by the end of this month."

Ms Lindsay said about 100 students - including part timers - were currently at Princess Caroline House, in the High Street.

They would be moving into the new building as part of the first phase.

She said: "We have always planned for a phased opening of the building and we are checking at the moment exactly when it will be fully completed and handed over to the university.

"Even when it is handed over, there will still be some finishing touches being carried out, "As soon as we know the formal handover date, then we will be able to say a lot more about how the new university will develop."