Completion work on transforming a derelict historic building at the Universities of Medway into a £4.6 million student centre could hang in the balance.

The former swimming pool and bowling alley, once used by Navy recruits, is being refurbished into an entertainment and social space with a bar and cafe, due to open next month.

But news that Canterbury-based contractor Cardy Construction is set to go into administration has led to uncertainty about the launch date.

The centre, which is to be known as the Student Hub, is a joint enterprise between the University of Kent and Greenwich University.

A University of Kent spokesman said on Friday: “We don’t know what is happening yet. We will know more when we meet with Cardy on Wednesday when possibly there will be an announcement.”

Students have been helping to shape the design of the centre which has a bar called the Deep End with a glass floor over the former swimming pool, as well as an open-plan area for gigs.

It was hoped it would be officially opened in September, ahead of freshers’ fairs and the start of the new academic year.

About 220 jobs could be at risk if Cardy Construction goes into administration. Last week, the firm, founded in 1946, filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators, usually the final step before a formal appointment.