A NEW £28 million sports building at Solent University has moved forward with ground-breaking work getting underway.

University representatives, students and contractor Morgan Sindall got digging to mark the start of construction.

Part of an ongoing £100 million development plan, the new building will include two sports halls, three fitness studios, two gyms and teaching facilities. There will be a car park underneath the site.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “This ceremony marks the exciting next chapter for our new sports building.

“This building will not only enhance the learning experience for our students and staff, but also deepen the university’s connections with our wider local community, supporting the region’s economic growth and development.

“We would like to thank all those involved after months of planning and consideration and look forward to watching the next stage of our development plan take shape over the coming months.”

Andy Duff, managing director of Morgan Sindall in the South, added: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this ambitious scheme. Several managers within our construction staff are Solent University graduates, so there is particular pride in our involvement.”

The building is set to open to students in summer 2019.