A new art and sports facility is to be built at Sunderland College in a deal worth £11m.

UK-based firm BAM Construct is believed to be the chosen contractor, according to Construction News.

The build will see several buildings at the College's Bede Campus demolished before a new sports centre and a visual and performing arts building are erected in its place.

The sports centre will be 1,205sq m and spread over the three storeys. It will include a four-court sports hall, a fitness suite, a sports science lab, changing facilities and classrooms.

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The visual and performing arts build will also be on three storeys and will provide a performance hall, dance and drama studios as well as music, photography and media classrooms. Recording studios and art facilities are also planned.

Speaking about the project, BAM Construct director Andrew Warwick, said: "We are delighted to be building these important facilities for Sunderland College. These buildings will provide state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces for Sunderland, as well as making the Bede Campus more aesthetically pleasing and practical.

"We will also be working to ensure the project benefits the local environment, economy and community."

Landscaped courts, widening a road, resurfacing part of the car park, the creation of a new footpath and relocating refuse facilities are also part of the construction work.

Work on the project is due to start next month and be completed by August 2014.

(JP)