A SILVER sledgehammer was wielded to officially mark the start of work at the University of Worcester's £120m second campus.

The Mayor of Worcester, councillor Stephen Inman and Alwyn Davies, the vice- chairman of Worcestershire County Council, were joined by University of Worcester vice-chancellor Professor David Green and deputy vice-chancellor Prof Judith Elkin to mark the formal start of redevelopment work at the former Worcester Royal Infirmary site, in Castle Street.

The work began yesterday with the start of the demolition of a number of buildings on the site.

The new university campus will include a 400-seat, multi- use performance and conference centre, a centrepiece public square capable of outside theatre productions, exhibition spaces, student residences, restaurants and cafes.

It will link through the railway viaduct to the planned university and public library and history centre, which is being developed in partnership with Worcestershire county and city councils, to form a new learning and cultural quarter for Worcester.

Coun Inman said: "Creating a new learning and cultural quarter for Worcester will be at the heart of the city's renaissance."

A public information event, to follow up last year's residents' consultation programme, will be held by the university next week on Thursday, January 24, at 6.30pm at The Bradbury Centre, 2 Sansome Walk, Worcester, for anyone who wants further information on the development.

To book a place contact Serena Worley on 01905 855229 or e-mail s.worley@worc.ac.uk