Staff and students at Kent University can watch a £6.25million development take place after the first sods were turned.

Work has begun on the university’s new School of Drama, Film and Visual Arts behind the campus’ Marlowe building and opposite the students union. It is due to be completed next autumn.

James Morgan, project manager for contractors Morgan Ashurst and university vice-chancellor Prof Julia Goodfellow performed the ground-breaking ceremony.

The school will provide a dedicated facility for undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as new academic and administrative offices.

The steel framed building, designed by architects Hawkins/Brown, features a distinctive zinc wall tiled cladding system and glazed curtain walling.

“It’s always an exciting time when the ground is broken for the first time,” said Morgan.

“Now staff and students will be able to watch this fantastic new facility rise from the ground.”