BUILDING work has begun on an undeveloped wing of East Durham College’s Peterlee Campus which is to house the new Apollo Studio Academy.

Construction company Kier have moved in to start work this week, working from plans drawn up by Sheffield-based architects Jefferson Sheard.

Work on the 500 sq ft area of the college, currently referred to as The Void, will be completed in time for the first student intake in September 2014.

The cost to convert the empty space is expected to be around £650,000.

Jefferson Sheard has designed a number of major projects around the country and also redeveloped Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Barnsley College and the University of Sheffield.

Apollo Studio Academy principal, Sally Hudson said: “It’s going to be fantastic to see our vision for the Apollo Studio Academy start to take shape.

“I can’t wait to watch over the next few months as we see our brand new learning environment take shape ahead of our opening in September.”

There are still a limited number of spaces for post 16 studies at the Apollo Studio Academy, starting in September.

For more information or to request a prospectus, please visit www.apollostudioacademy.co.uk or call 0191-518 8222.