A turf cutting ceremony has marked the start of work on a new, state-of-the-art teaching block at the University for the Creative Arts Epsom.

The £5.9m scheme will create a modern, three-storey building which will house a new learning and resource centre, auditorium and digital media centre.

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Corporate Resources, Alan Cooke, said: “We are delighted that work is starting on our exciting new teaching block at UCA Epsom.

“The new building will include some of the best teaching facilities in the country and will further enhance our reputation for providing an excellent educational experience to our students.”

Construction at the Ashley Road campus starts in April 2010. It will be fully equipped and ready to welcome the intake of new students in September 2011.

Over 80 per cent of the total project’s funding has been granted through the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

The building will have photovoltaic cells on the roof and solar water heating will make sure at least 20 per cent of renewable energy is generated on site.

The UCA is one of Europe’s largest specialist Universities of art, design, architecture, media and communication, with around 7,000 students.