Kier has landed a deal with Manchester Metropolitan University to construct the institution's new £35m School of Digital Arts (SODA).

Located on the site of the Students Union car park on Higher Chatham Street, the purpose-built 5,200m² school will boast state-of-the-art teaching facilities across five floors.

It will house subjects spanning film, animation, User experience design, photography, games, AI and more. Once complete, the school will have the capacity to teach 1,000 students per year.

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Contractor Kier has committed to creating 10 apprenticeship opportunities and engaging with the City of Manchester workforce by hiring 100 local people and engaging with the local supply chain during the construction work.

Peter Commins, managing director for Kier Regional Building North West, commented: "We are absolutely delighted to continue our relationship with Manchester Met the project is a key part of Manchester Metropolitan Universities Estates Masterplan. The SODA building will give students access to state-of-the-art facilities, enabling them to study an exciting range of subjects under one roof."

Work will start on site in winter 2019 ahead of scheduled completion in spring 2021.

(CM/JG)