Graham Construction has started work on the next phase of a school development project in London.

The contractor is delivering the £16.7 million North Block building for the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at its North London campus.

The new facility will replace the existing two-storey building on site. It will provide five double-height studios and nine floors of teaching and support space, with 2,400 sq m of additional space.

As well as adjoining onto the existing West Block, sustainable design features include photovoltaic panels and natural ventilation methods to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

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Overall, the project aims to improve campus provision and provide modern arts facilities for both students and the local community,

Construction is expected to be complete in summer 2018.

Graham Construction's London Office Director, Rob Joyce, said: "The new building will reinforce The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama's reputation as a world leader in performing arts facilities.

"As the school campus will remain fully operational during works, it is vital to have a systematic management programme in place. This proposal requires demolition and construction in the centre of the Swiss Cottage campus, but with an experienced GRAHAM team and an extensive educational portfolio, we aim to deliver this with minimal disruption to staff and students, as well as the local community."

(LM/MH)