The new centre will include a radio station

Work has started on a �19m project for a major performing arts centre in the North East.

Newcastle College aims to create the UK's biggest further education centre for arts and the media.

It will bring together the college's provision, which is currently on four sites, on to one site.

The College's director of music and performing arts, Vee Wilkinson, said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for students and the college.

"The potential is really enormous. It will be a creative hub for Tyneside."

It will mean students working in areas like media, performing arts, technical, music and dance will all work alongside each other.

The new devlopment will include three performance venues, TV studio, radio station, 12 recording studios, music facilities including rehearsal rooms, acting and dance centres and, lecture theatres.

Funding for the project has come from the Learning and Skills Council, College borrowings and College reserves.

The project comes as Newcastle and Gateshead are jointly bidding to be made European Capital of Culture 2008.