London South Bank University (LSBU) has appointed Mansell for a £4.7 million contract to design and build a new student centre within the bottom two floors and undercroft of a multi-storey building on the university campus known as the Tower Block.

The new space will be formed by installing glazed facades to both open elevations of the existing undercroft and the lower floors of the Tower Block will be refurbished to create around 2,000 square metres of floor space.

The development will create a dynamic central location where students can easily access support services and find out more about employment opportunities, as well as providing a space where they can socialise and relax.

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It will be a new home for the LSBU Students' Union, including advocacy and society services and a café venue, and will bring together non-academic services such as student advice, employability services, advice on internships, getting a graduate job and volunteering, fees & bursaries, disability & dyslexia support and accommodation.

LSBU’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Earwicker says: "We're delighted that building work has now begun on our exciting new Student Centre development.

"LSBU students will not only have an exciting new space to meet and to work in, but they will also have quick and easy access to any support they need, and they’ll have information on professional opportunities, such as mentoring and internships, at their fingertips."

Works will also include landscaping to the surrounding public realm.

Throughout the duration of the project the rest of the university campus, including the Tower Block and adjacent buildings, will remain occupied.

The project is aiming to achieve an overall BREEAM "Good" rating.

Work is due to commence on site in February and the building will be ready for occupation when the new academic year starts in September 2012.

(CD/GK)