A NEW state-of-the art £10.5million student centre has been given the green light by Poole planners.

The glass fronted six-storey building will open at Bournemouth University in 2015 and will provide significant additional learning space as well as a new home to the Students’ Union.

A low carbon building with a sedum roof, it will be at the heart of the Talbot Campus and provide opportunities for students to engage in social learning and study activities.

“The university is committed to providing world-class facilities for our students and this building will provide just that,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Vinney.

“It is essential we continue to attract high calibre students for years to come in an ever-increasing competitive market.

“Our activities support 2,700 jobs, including contributing £240million to the local and regional economy. These figures will only be maintained and grow whilst students continue to choose to study here and the student experience is central to this.

“It will also provide a welcome boost to the economy during the next two years with the creation of construction work and opportunities for local suppliers.”

Building work will get underway in July and the student centre is expected to be fully operational by spring 2015. It will extend from the current sports hall and have a bridge linking it to the library.

It will also include learning and leisure facilities, radio and media studies, a student advice centre, meeting space, accessible open-plan areas for student-focused services and a café.

Students’ Union president Louise Bryant said: “This new centre will not only make it easier for students to access all of these services but it will provide them with more space to learn, study and socialise.”

Prof Vinney added: “In order to maintain current student numbers we cannot afford to stand still – our new student centre will have a significant and immediate positive impact.

“Students expect modern, fit-for-purpose facilities that promote learning and generate a rich experience and this fantastic new building will meet their aspirations.”