A year-long project costing £12m to redevelop a college has got underway following the appointment of a contractor.

The former University for the Creative Arts building in Oakwood Park, Maidstone, will get the revamp as part of MidKent College’s wider scheme for its campus in the town.

Construction company ISG has already started work, which is scheduled for completion in July 2015.

Included in the upgrade will be construction and engineering workshops, art studios and a creative media suite, as well as training kitchens, a restaurant and bar.

MidKent College principal Sue McLeod said: “Having recently invested more than £100m in our Medway and Maidstone campuses, it was only natural that the centre for higher-level skills would be next to benefit.

“We are dedicated to providing a realistic alternative to university and are confident the courses taught at the centre will help provide the advanced skills many employers are looking for.”

The campus has already had £20m worth of work carried out and a third phase, which is due to be done next year, will involve building a new commercial sports centre.