Scunthorpe's former Civic Centre has been transformed into a new first-class university campus.

This project was completed as part of the first phase of the University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL) scheme, led by North Lincolnshire Council, North Lindsey College and the University of Lincoln.

Main contractor Britcon led the project, transforming the Grade II listed building while taking into account its heritage features to make it suitable for higher education use. The building's unique Roman mosaic has been carefully preserved and will remain in the reception area to greet students.

The old council chamber has become a new lecture theatre and the former office rooms have been converted into teaching spaces with capacity for 24 and 30 students. A library and specialist IT labs have also been installed as part of phase one.

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The second phase will see the introduction of engineering and health laboratories as well as the planning for the second and third floors which will also present teaching and conference facilities and more social spaces.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "It's fantastic to see the first phase completion on the transformation of the Civic Centre, thanks to £2 million funding from the Government through the Greater Lincolnshire LEP. This UCNL project will embed higher-level skills into our local economy and create a direct link between businesses and graduates with the right skills to support growth."

Nick Shepherd, managing director at Britcon, added: "We are very pleased to deliver this fantastic new education facility as part of a cluster of transformational projects in Scunthorpe, our home town. We have worked closely with the client team and the council's heritage team to ensure the development responds to the architectural and heritage qualities of the Grade II listed building and will continue to do so in the next phase."

The project was handed over in time for the first student enrolment term this month.

Work on the remaining floors is scheduled to be complete in summer 2020.

(CM/JG)