WORK has begun on building the £4.8m Agri-Centre at Askham Bryan College, near York.

The initiative will see the creation of a new study centre for agriculture and engineering students at the heart of the college’s Westfield Farm. It is anticipated that the building will be finished for September, ready for the start of the next academic year.

As well as lecture rooms and an engineering workshop, the Agri–Centre will also house the offices of the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board which is currently elsewhere on the campus.

The centre adjoins Westfield Farm and is ideally situated for practical work, particularly as the dairy unit is literally on the doorstep.

The college runs 250 pedigree Holstein cows milked through a 10:10 rapid exit parlour with a further 30 milked through a robotic system giving students experience of two different systems. Courses from diploma level through to Foundation degrees in land-based subjects to young people from across the north of England are provided.

Liz Philip, executive principal, said: "The centre is a significant investment by the College plus we have been supported by the York and North Yorkshire LEP. It is a real vote of confidence in the future of the agricultural industry."