The 100,000 sq ft project was hotly contested with national contractors Bam, Galliford Try, Kier and Sir Robert McAlpine all chasing the job.
The Pontio will house a theatre, cinema, restaurant, bars, Student Union and several teaching and learning spaces in Bangor.
Building work is expected to stat in May or June creating around 350 jobs. Presently demolition firm
The Bangor University-led Pontio project is now fully funded and will receive £12.5m from the European Regional Development Fund, and £15m from the Welsh government towards a cost of £40m.
A meet-the-contractor event is to be arranged to promote opportunities for vocational training during the construction period.
Mace is acting as project manager on the job.
North Wales based Jennings is finishing demolition and enabling works for the theatre project.