A major new development is underway to upgrade facilities at the Penryn campus of Falmouth University and the University of Exeter at a cost of £4.4 million.

The scheme will see the extension of the Stannary restaurant and bar, creating a new social study space, along with the extension of academic spaces - primarily the four-storey Daphne Du Maurier building, which currently houses teaching rooms, laboratories, the world-leading Camborne School of Mines and the Centre of Ecology and Conservation.

Midas Construction has started work on the design and build project - part of the Penryn Campus Future Spaces Plan – which is due for completion in late spring 2020.

It is being carried out for Falmouth Exeter Plus, which manages and delivers services at Falmouth, Penryn and Truro Campuses on behalf of Falmouth University and the University of Exeter.

FX Plus estates director Sarah Roby said: “We’re really excited about this Future Spaces project, which is the result of consultation with students, employees and other campus users.

“It will transform the Stannary social area and also provide top quality, accessible learning space, keeping Penryn Campus ahead of the game for student experience.”

Mike Borkowski, business development director at Midas Construction, said the company was “thrilled” to start work.

He added: “The new buildings will be a high-quality addition to the learning and social spaces for students of Falmouth and Exeter universities, providing a first-rate educational environment.”