Work has begun on a £20 million development at the heart of Teesside University’s campus to create a new teaching centre with 200 seat lecture theatre.

A ceremonial turf-cutting ceremony was performed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Henderson and Middlesbrough MP, Andy McDonald along with chairman of the board of governors, Alastair MacColl and the university’s Chief Operating Officer, Malcolm Page.

The development, which will also enable the university in Middlesbrough to expand its library, has been a long-held vision for Mr Henderson.

“This sees the start of a dream I’ve had for many years. Higher education is getting more and more competitive and if we want to compete, we’ve got to have the best facilities we can.

“This is going to transform the university and in 12 months’ time this place will be unrecognisable," he said.

“Hopefully it will attract more people to come to Teesside University, not just locally but nationally and internationally.”

Construction of the teaching centre will be carried out by BAM, who were responsible for Middlesbrough’s BoHo centre.