THE first images of Wiltshire College's new Salisbury campus have been released, as work starts on the £15million development project.

The multi-million pound revamp of the campus, which was announced in February 2017, will include a new building to house a modern teaching facility and a redeveloped campus layout, with much of the construction of the campus to take place during the college’s summer holidays.

It was announced last year that the college, which has recently been granted university centre status, was successful in its bid for more than £22million, secured through the Swindon and Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) in local growth funding from the government.

More than £14million will be spent on transforming the Salisbury campus, with work on recladding exterior walls that are remaining as part of the project, along with internal conversion work, starting this month.

The development will enable about 1,000 more students to attend the campus.

Amanda Burnside, Principal at Wiltshire College & University Centre, said: “It’s fantastic that work is finally starting on this exciting project.

“I know our staff, students, parents, future students and members of the public are equally keen to see tangible evidence of the development and it’s great to have finally reached that landmark.

“This funding will help us to address some of the higher-level skills gaps that exist in the region and particularly in the Salisbury area.”

The campus project will see new curriculum areas launched at the college, which are in line with SWLEP priorities.

New courses will include six foundation degrees in the life sciences including Biomedical Science, Pharmaceuticals and Health and Nutrition as well as higher level courses and apprenticeships in advanced engineering.

The next stage of the development, beginning in June next year, will see work commence on the new main building which will be located in the centre of the campus and will replace some of the existing buildings.

In addition, the college’s Lackham campus, near Chippenham, is also being developed as part of the overall scheme.

All aspects of the redevelopment on both campuses will be completed by 2020, the college has said.