THE old art block at Banbury college is set to undergo a major £3.5m refurbishment which will see it transformed into a state-of-the-art teaching centre.

Work on site, in Broughton Road, started on Monday and the new block, called the creative industries and arts centre, is due to open in September.

The original 1960s building will be kept but stripped back to its skeleton.

Oxford and Cherwell Valley College secured a grant of £225,000 from the Skills Funding Agency, but will fund most of the cost itself.

The college, which has 2,162 full- and part-time students also plans to expand courses available.

It says its eco-friendly design will save £100,000 heating and maintenance costs.

There will also be an artist in residence, and facilities will be open to the public all year round.

College capital project director Phil Waddup said: “The refurbishment is all about improving the experience, comfort and security for our students.”