WORK is finally under way on a new £30million state-of-the-art college campus in the heart of Basildon which will transform the way youngsters learn across south Essex.

A ceremony marked the start of construction at South Essex College’s new digital technology campus in Basildon town centre, which has been planned for years.

The new campus, in Market Square, will focus on technology and aims to give youngsters in south Essex key skills industry leaders seek.

The campus will offer courses centring on subjects such as games design, digital animation and TV and film production.

As a result of a partnership between Basildon Council, Homes England and South Essex College, contractor Morgan Sindall arrived on site on Friday to begin work on the new three-storey building.

The new campus is scheduled to open in July next year, along with more car parking, shops, and an increase in open space for students to explore.

Angela O’Donoghue, principal at South Essex College said: “We are delighted that work is under way to deliver our ambitious vision of bringing high quality education and training back into the heart of Basildon town centre.

“This new campus will equip young people and adults with the skills they need to work in the growing digital technology industry.”

Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, said: “This is a massively important contribution to the skills and training for our young people.

“We need all of our young people to take up opportunities to equip themselves with the skills that employers are looking for.

“The college is a welcome boost to the town centre, bringing a new dimension to life in the town. I am especially delighted to welcome this development in Basildon’s 70th anniversary.”

The new campus means the old college site can be replaced with more than 700 homes as part of the Dry Street development.