PART of a multi-million pound building project at the University of Hertfordshire has been completed ahead of schedule.

The Forum project got underway in September last year at the College Lane Campus in Hatfield, with the main student union and venue building due to open in time for the 2009 academic year.

But builders and university leaders alike were thrilled to see the first stage of the latest development come to fruition when the nursery and multi-story car park opened its doors on Monday.

This part of the project was not due to finish until December, making it an added bonus for staff and students who will benefit from the extra facilities.

First discussed five years ago, the Forum will be a new student union centre with bars, a club, restaurant and a live entertainment venue which will hold 1,130 people.

Student Union members, who helped design the building were also keen to include a convenience store, coffee shop and juice bar to cater for non-drinking students. David Ball, dean of students at the university, said: “This takes the student experience forward.

“It provides a social space which is in keeping with the rest of the university, bringing the students social experience up to the same level as their academic.” Nick Jude, senior building manager for Hatfield based Willmott Dixon Construction which is carrying out the work, said he is delighted with the progress of the huge project which is both on time and on budget. He added that the only problems the workers have encountered are down to the good-old British weather. The nursery for students’ and staff children boasts both inside and outside play areas for all five age groups and opened with 40 children, with the number gradually increasing to its full capacity of 80. The 300 space car park is for staff and students of the university but when the auditorium opens it will also serve the public.

Amanda Thorp, director of estates, has been overseeing the project. She said: “It’s a really exciting time for us here. The nursery is exactly how we imagined it to be so I can’t wait to see the Forum building.” The University spends more on its facilities then any other in the UK, aside from Cambridge and Oxford.