Plans for new state-of-the-art, purpose-built student social facilities at the Medway campus have moved a step closer to reality.

Official permission has now been granted for the development by the universities of Kent and Greenwich to convert an unused listed building at Medway – formerly home to a swimming pool and bowling alley – into a ‘student hub’ for use by all 10,000 students at the campus.

Now that both listed building consent and planning permission has been given by Medway Council, the universities aim for facilities to be open in time for their respective student intakes in September 2016. The student centre, which will feature a café/bar, catering, entertainment and social activity space, will also include a home for GK Unions , the students’ union partnership between Kent Union at Medway and the Students’ Union University of Greenwich.

‘Phase 1’ for carrying out work on the project is currently out to tender and the universities expect to make an appointment in late June, with the works beginning in either July or August.

The universities hope to appoint contractors to begin work in near future. Students themselves have been helping to shape the design of the new facilities, through surveys and a consultation process led by GK Unions working with Dannatt Johnson Architects.

All the key buildings on the Medway site, including the old swimming pool, date back to the early 20th century when they were part of the HMS Pembroke Royal Navy barracks .

While the universities of Kent and Greenwich will fund and manage the proposed capital project, many of the new facilities will also be available to students of Canterbury Christ Church University .