Construction on replacing Kingston University’s landmark Town House building as part of a £260m project to redevelop the institution’s campuses will begin this Spring.

The new building will become the gateway to the University’s Penrhyn Road campus, and will include a mix of teaching and performance space, a library, covered courtyard and cafés.

Contracts were signed with construction company Willmott Dixon last month, with the university hoping to open the building for the start of the 2019 academic year.

From March 2017: Kingston University's proposed £55m new building plan rejected

Board of governors chair David Edmonds, said: "Town House will mesh perfectly with the way this institution works.

“It won't just be a building – it will be a beating heart for both the University and local community."

Plans to redevelop the site were first rejected by Kingston Council in 2015 for being “too bulky”, but were later approved after architects redesigned the building.

The building has been designed by Grafton Architects.

Surrey Comet:

Acting vice-chancellor Professor Steven Spier and board chairman David Edmonds

Acting Kingston University vice-chancellor Professor Steven Spier said: “Willmott Dixon will be working closely with our renowned architects to deliver Grafton's first building in the United Kingdom.

“The result will be transformational – a place in which students, staff and local people alike will be able to learn and develop.”