BUILDING work has begun on a new state-of-the-art £6-million Art and Design Centre at the Grimsby Institute, featuring a theatre, recording studios and a dance studio.
The Grimsby Institute's Block C will be fully refurbished to accommodate it with a 1,600 square foot extension.
The current Art and Design building on Westward Ho will move focus to animal care studies and include a cattery.
Principal Sue Middlehurst said: "We are really excited about it.
"The state-of-the-art building will be used by around 200 of our art and design students.
"Block C, which is being refurbished in the build, was in the former Grimsby Institute building and it is empty at the moment because they have all moved into the new University building.
"Animal and veterinary care is becoming more popular, so we are in plans with architects now about transforming the old art and design building in Westward Ho to an animal centre."
Claire Foster, head of arts and media at the Grimsby Institute, said it will benefit the students no end.
"It will ensure students will train in 21st century surroundings to make them fit for employment and self-employment.
"It will better reflect the industry with a brand new theatre, special effects and craft-based rooms.
"It will be great because the students will be in the main campus, too."
Building firm Houlton, from Hull, is working on the 37-week build.
Keith Gilson, commercial director, said "We have a great deal of experience working on educational premises, including busy college and university environments.
"We have 40 staff on the build, and the exterior of the old Block C building will be transformed with cladding.
"The block is empty so we won't disturb teaching.
"We will give the block brand new windows, plumbing, electrics, carpets, ceilings and walls.
"We have taken down some trees on the former staff car park to make way for the extension.
"And then we will put in the foundations and bring in the piling."
ON THE WEB: It's the latest in a number of developments at the Grimsby Institute – read about the others again online at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
