Portsmouth construction students enjoy a tour of Citigait

Students from Portsmouth University were given a valuable insight into the construction industry recently, when they enjoyed a guided tour of Barratt's Citigait development in the centre of Portsmouth.

The second year students are studying Architecture at the university. They were taken to the show apartment and then on to the building site, where they were able to discuss design issues with the two site managers, Luke St Ledger (23) and Marek Pientak (33).

"One of the university lecturers has bought a home at Citigait and he thought it would be a good idea for the students to pay us a visit," said Luke, who has been working on the development for 18 months.

"We play an integral role in the communities in which we build and it was a pleasure to play host to our visitors. The university is located directly opposite the development, so it's practically on the doorstep."

Construction director Jon Green explained the importance of practical experience in the industry. "It's vital students involved in construction courses such as Architecture see the transition from plans to reality. We're delighted to get involved and assist the students with their learning."

Citigait is a stunning gated development of one and two-bedroom apartments. Prices start from £118,995 for a one-bedroom home and from £170,995 for a two-bedroom property.

The development is proving to be popular with first-time buyers and young professionals, and buyer incentives include Barratt's Head Start scheme.

Under the scheme, first-time buyers secure a mortgage for 85 per cent of the total property price and Barratt finances the remaining 15 per cent for up to 10 years. Part exchange is also available for buyers trading up to a larger home.

Citigait lies close to the main shopping centre in Commercial Road and is just a short walk from Portsmouth Harbour Station, which offers a regular train service to London Waterloo.

The maritime city of Portsmouth offers a potent blend of history, culture and leisure activities - including the historic dockyard with its Royal Naval Museum and the Gunwharf Quays leisure complex. The city also boasts excellent transport links as it is close to the M27 and M3 motorways. Southampton Airport Parkway is a short drive away.

For further details, log on to Barratthomes.co.uk.