Plans for the new £26 million Student Centre and extension to the Albert Sloman Library at the University of Essex's Colchester Campus are set to move ahead after the scheme received planning permission.

The University of Essex is going out to tender next month (October) to find a contractor to complete the project and once a company has been chosen work is due to start in January 2013 with a completion date set for late 2014.

The state-of-the-art centre will provide a 'one stop shop' for a range of student services, putting accommodation, finance, registry and student support functions under one roof to enhance the student experience at Essex. The centre will also be home to an integrated learning centre for group working, new IT facilities, a state-of-the-art media centre and will offer a 24-hour reading room.

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The Albert Sloman Library extension will include an archive and special collections book store, 24-hour postgraduate study area, additional study space and library shelving and an expanded student book collection.

Richard Halsall, Deputy Director of the Capital Development Team, said: "We are looking forward to getting work underway on this project as it will improve facilities for our students and staff, and bring student services together more cohesively."

Designs for the scheme have already been drawn up by award-winning architects Patel Taylor – the practice that designed the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall at the Colchester Campus.

Students are also playing a key role in the design of the services the Student Centre will offer through focus groups, surveys and workshops and are represented through a Students’ Union member on the Project Implementation Group which oversees the project.

The project is part of the University's £200 million-plus capital investment plan to improve facilities and enhance the student experience.

(CD)