A �57m expansion plan for Queen's University in Belfast will incorporate a new student centre when it is unveiled on Friday.

The scheme, known as Lanyon II, will be one of the largest investments by the university since its foundation.

The plan has been described by university authorities as "one of the most significant building projects in the city for the millennium."

The new student centre will be the focus of the project and will replace the existing Students' Union building which was built in the 1960s.

A university spokesman said the plan, which will include an arts quarter and childcare and health facilities, will transform the campus and provide visionary facilities for students and the wider community.

The spokesman said the plan for Lanyon II was produced following widespread consultation involving more than 250 meetings with people within the university, local communities, the business sector and the statutory authorities.

"Lanyon II will strengthen Queen's national and international role by providing the most modern facilities.

"It will allow the university to significantly enhance its student services by centralising them on one site."

'Arts quarter'

The plans envisage opening up new public green spaces within the existing campus.

It also proposes to revitalise what it terms "undervalued" buildings such as the Elmwood Hall and will provide new buildings of "outstanding quality".

Also to be included is the development of an arts quarter, aimed at providing more venues for the world famous Belfast Festival at Queen's, childcare and mental health facilities.

The work on the project is scheduled to begin in 2003 subject to planning and is expected to be completed in 2006.