VIDEO: Watch time lapse video of the first construction stage of city's '˜university'

Wakefield College principal Sam Wright cut the first turf for the new £6.8m hub, also known as the Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre, earlier this week.

The ceremony followed the demolition of an old college building, on the corner of Burton Street, to make way for the new centre, which is due to open in 2017.

Ms Wright said: “The new Advanced Skills and Innovation Centre will transform high level skills training in the district, bringing modern teaching and learning facilities for our learners.”

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, which has provided £3.m funding for the project, said: “This marks the start of a major investment at Wakefield College and will increase the potential for our young people to participate in higher level skills education and training.”