An innovative new £5m building with a difference has been unveiled at the Colchester Campus.

The University’s new Teaching Centre makes clever use of previously redundant space – it used to be the University’s central boiler house – and is situated 85 per cent underground.

However, thanks to clever design natural daylight is drawn into the space through a glazed sunken courtyard and ceiling, which, coupled with a large central communal space and bright décor makes it a perfect place to teach and learn.

This major project is concrete evidence that the University is committed to offering high quality, modern teaching space backed by state-of-the-art teaching technologies as the new academic year begins.

The 20 new teaching rooms in the new centre are equipped with interactive projectors, widescreen monitors, digital document cameras and audio lecture recording capabilities. There is also a theatre rehearsal room and drinks area.

The centre will be bookable as an attractive and flexible venue for conferences and events outside of term time.

Led by the University’s award-winning Estate Management team, the project began in September 2009 and took 12 months to complete. The architect was Purcell Miller Tritton and contractors Hutton Construction.

Dr Tony Rich, the University’s Registrar and Secretary said: “This project posed quite an engineering and design challenge – and the end result has exceeded everyone’s expectations. We’re looking forward to welcoming students into the centre as we start the new term.”