THE Head of the Business Unit at the Universite du Littoral, Cote D'Opale, in Northern France was "taken aback" when she visited the University of Kent at Medway (UKM) to view the new campus being built at Lower Pembroke.

Viviane Gelle. who was accompanied by Michael Simmons of the University of Kent's Enterprise Unit was clearly surprised at the size of the project.

Her own university in Northern France has been built on a similar theme to the new Multiversity, but on a smaller scale.

She said:" A lot of things are happening in Dunkerque which are on a parallel to Medway. Both projects are aimed at putting universities at the heart of regeneration."

Jeff Brown, director of operations at UKM said:" There are strong links being developed between academics and business people in Medway and Northern France. People are now coming over here to see the enormity of the development and being stunned by its extent. We aim to build upon this movement."

Viviane later went on to the degree congregation at Canterbury to see her president and Vice Chancellor Daniel Boucher receive a Doctor of Civil Law.