Plans have been approved for what could be the country's largest university lecture theatre.

Wivenhoe-based Essex University wants to construct a two-storey building, seating up to 1,000.

A design team has been devising a scheme which will use moveable accoustic walls to divide the space into two halls, each catering for 500 people.

Overall, it will be almost twice the size of the largest existing theatre on the Wivenhoe Park campus, and include two seminar rooms, storage and catering.

University chiefs say their 'flagship' building, to be constructed opposite the library, will stage major events, such as graduation day ceremonies.

A planning application is due in March and building work could start in June.

Published Wednesday, January 19, 2005

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