Impression of the proposed learning resource centre

Medway Council has given the go-ahead for building work to begin on the site of the �50m Universities at Medway initiative.

The scheme is a partnership scheme between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent, together with Mid-Kent College and Canterbury Christ Church University College.

The site is adjacent to the University of Greenwich's existing Medway campus.

A statement issued by the vice-chancellors of Kent and Greenwich said: "The initiative is at the heart of the strategy to bring renewed economic prosperity to Medway."

The scheme will see student numbers in the region rising to 6,000 by 2010 and will have a major impact on the region's economy, involving an estimated 600 new jobs directly and indirectly.

There are two phases:

• refurbishment and development of the Grade II listed Drill Hall to provide a learning resource centre and teaching space as well as library and ICT facilities, some of which will be for public use
• construction of a four-storey academic building for the University of Kent and Mid-Kent College as well as a link between the Upper and Lower Pembroke sites.