Work will begin on construction in April and BAM aims to encourage smaller local firms to become involved through a series of ‘meet the buyer’ events.

BAM’s project manager Mark Sanderson is also committed to involving students and apprentices as part of the project and ensuring there are work experience and placement opportunities.

A visitor centre will be on site so students, the community and visitors to the campus can be kept informed of its development as it progresses.

The project will also be used as a live example of building information modelling for study groups.

BAM, who were responsible for Middlesbrough’s BoHo Centre, will build in a string of strong environmentally friendly features to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’.

Malcolm Page, Teesside University Chief Operating Officer, said: “BAM were chosen for this project because of their innovative approach to the project which offered a top class solution to delivering our vision along with a strong emphasis on value for money.”