MORE than 100 studio flats for students are to be created above a Southampton city centre bar and restaurant.

Work has begun to convert the former offices above Que Pasa in Above Bar into apartments, with developers hoping the project will be finished by August.

Park House, which overlooks Palmerston Park, will be Hampshire firm Unilife’s second student property in Southampton, adding to its existing building on High Street.

The company said it believes the new flats will be “perfectly positioned” to allow residents to take advantage of nearby shops and nightlife, while also being close to Southampton Solent University’s main East Park Terrace campus.

Sam Wilson, lettings manager for Southampton, said: “We are already getting enquiries from students looking to book for the 2013 academic year, so it’s really exciting to know that we will soon have lots more rooms available for them.

“Park House is right in the centre of town, with excellent links to everything students will need in Southampton, whether in their first or final year.

“Every aspect of our business has students in mind, from the in-house security and facilities to the all-inclusive and affordable monthly cost.”

The development will feature the option of five different sized rooms, each with its own bathroom, kitchen, double bed, dining area and Wi-Fi access, as well as full CCTV monitoring and onsite laundry facilities.