Work begins on £6m campus college

An artist's impression of the new St Peter's College in Sunderland

Work has begun on a new £6m three-storey sixth form college.

The new, state-of-the-art St Peter's Sixth Form College, which is next to Sunderland University and St Peter's Church, is due to open in the autumn.

The building is being developed in conjunction with English Heritage to reflect the area's surroundings.

It will have a curved roof, in keeping with the design of the university, as well as cedar cladding. It will cater for 600 students and staff.

Central atrium

Facilities will include IT areas, laboratories, catering facilities and workshops.

John Dixon, associate director at designers, Browne Smith Baker, said: "This college will further promote Sunderland as an excellent seat of learning.

"The building has been designed around a central atrium, an impressive three-storey space providing easy links from floor to floor as well as easy circulation to the classrooms.

"The significant amount of glazing used will also allow people to enjoy the view with windows also looking out onto the church."