WORK has started on £30million new university complex in the heart of Southampton.

Southampton Solent University's East Park Terrace campus will be transformed once work on the new teaching and learning building is completed.

The innovative designs for the new building were approved by the city council last year, and work has now begun on site.

The building boasts a distinctive design created by award-winning architect Scott Brownrigg, which is centre on a glass atrium.

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The hub features a spaceship-style teaching pod suspended in the centre of the atrium, and there will also be new lecture and seminar facilities, exhibition space and a platform with views over much of the city centre.

It is part of the university's master plan to redevelop its entire city centre campus over the next ten years.

Work on the first phase of the new centre is due to be completed by the end of next year.

Daily Echo: Professor Van Gore – vice-chancellor of Southampton Solent University.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Van Gore, above, said: “It's a massively imaginative and exciting project for the university.

“It's been years in the planning and I am thrilled to be here today to see it start to take shape. It marks the university's coming of age.

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“This new building will be a symbol for everyone - staff, students and those who are going to study here in the future - about what a distinctive and special place Southampton Solent University is.”

Hannah Watts, the university's Vice-President for Education, added: “I think this project is going to have a really positive impact on the experience of our students.

“As well as new teaching areas, the extra study locations will help create a real sense of community and we are all so excited to see such an innovative development start to become a reality for everyone involved with the university.”