Work has begun on construction of a new Nursery and Pre School building in the south-east corner of campus, between Knights Gate Road and the Innovation Centre.

Work has begun on construction of a new Nursery and Pre School building in the south-east corner of campus, between Knights Gate Road and the Innovation Centre.

The contractor, Ocon, was appointed in November 2012 and before Christmas set up the site for the new building and a large outdoor play area.

When it is finished in the summer, the building will bring together in one location the Nursery and Pre School, which are currently based in two separate buildings (Norwich House and Silverstone respectively) and provide a total of 71 places.

The University has granted the Co-operative Childcare a 15-year lease to run the new 101-place building, which will be open to children of staff and students and other campus bodies as well as the local community.

The Co-operative Childcare has managed the Nursery (for babies and toddlers aged four months to three years) and Pre School (for three- to five-year-olds) since November 2012.

Mike Abbott, Group Manager for the Co-operative Childcare, says: “We are excited about the prospect of operating in the new purpose-built nursery. It will provide great facilities where we can deliver a high standard of early-years learning and care in a safe and stimulating environment.”