Kingston University has received the go-ahead for a new £55 million building and landscaping scheme at its Penrhyn Road campus that will boost local growth and create jobs.

Councillors on the Royal Borough of Kingston‘s development control committee unanimously approved the application at its meeting on 11 August and heard there was strong support for the plans from the local community.

Construction work is due to start in summer 2016, with the new building and landscaping scheduled to be complete in late 2018.

The project include a modern learning resources centre over several floors, a 300-seat multi-media auditorium and three new public landscaped areas.

The University will also be working with the Council to see how its Mini-Holland cycling proposals can be accommodated into the design of the landscaping.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Julius Weinberg is delighted with the strength of support for the Town House project: “Many students, staff and local residents have been inspired about how the development will benefit both the University and the borough. It has something for everyone and will help to put the University firmly on the map.

“We can now be justly proud and excited about being able to deliver a sympathetically-designed, yet remarkable, landmark building that will transform the learning experience at the University.”

Kingston University’s Director of Estates Sean Woulfe said: “Local people and heritage groups have responded very warmly to this project. The design reflects the University’s intention to engage with the public and open up learning opportunities for everyone.

“The colonnade draws people in, and the lively landscaped terraces showcase the University’s learning activities to everyone passing by, on this key gateway to the town centre.”