WORK has started on a £27 million postgraduate college at the University of Kent.

The first turf was turned over by Professor Sir David Melville, the university’s outgoing vice-chancellor, and Clive Crawford, chairman of the developers, University Partnerships Programme.

Included in the project, which is on Darwin Fields, is accommodation for almost 550 students, a 480-seat lecture theatre and seminar rooms.

Sir David said he was extremely pleased that the project had got underway and it was an indication that the university would continue to develop at Canterbury.

"A postgraduate college is a huge and symbolically great step," he said. "We are working to a pretty tight deadline and I am delighted to hand this over and I look forward to coming back for the opening. This is a very important project for us."

Sir David added that the college was an exciting addition to what were already some of the best university facilities in the country. The new accommodation is due to be completed in September 2008 and includes 64 student flats, 50 ensuite study bedrooms, 38 self-contained studio bedrooms and a communal pavilion with a reception area, launderette and stores. The academic teaching space will be completed later in 2008.

David Morley Architects designed the scheme and Mansell is the main building contractor.