Arts and Innovation Centre, Bangor University, United Kingdom - From the dragon's den..

Work on unifying Arts and Innovation Centre at Bangor University begins onsite

Due to open in spring 2013, the Arts and Innovation Centre at Bangor University - also known as the Pontio project - has been designed by global architecture firm Grimshaw to showcase local and international artistic talents using state-of-the-art digital technology.Construction has now commenced on the project, which was recently afforded financial backing of £27.5m from the EU's Convergence European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Assembly Government.

The scheme also includes the erection of an 'Innovation Hub', designed to generate strong professional relationships between the educational institution and local businesses. The new design structure will straddle an area between the lower and elevated parts of Bangor city centre, unifying the two main campus areas of upper and lower Bangor.

Over a construction period of two years, Bangor University is hoping to incorporate a 500+ seat theatre, a rehearsal studio, teaching rooms, a cinema and an outdoor amphitheatre, alongside social spaces such as a new Student Union, bars, cafes and restaurants.