New Wolverhampton University centre at Stafford's Shire Hall opens to the public

Work to transform the hall began this week and students will begin using it in September.

The uni is transforming the Grand Hall at the front of the building to house its new centre, The Gateway. For now, it will have an information centre for prospective students who need guidance on what courses to study, or financial assistance.

Chiefs will soon draw up a list of courses tailored specifically to the area.

But Shire Hall will still be owned by Staffordshire County Council, which will continue to put on exhibitions in the building.

The announcement to transform the hall in Market Square came less than four months after Staffordshire University announced plans to shut its own campus in the town and move 3,000 students to Stoke.

The Gateway will open its doors to the public at 9am on Monday.

A family fun day will then officially launch the new centre on Thursday (7) from 10am to 3pm.

Professor Geoff Layer, vice-chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "After announcing our plans to set up at Shire Hall we have been looking forward to the moment we could say when we would be opening.

"There will be some work carried out to configure the space in the Grand Hall and get it ready to start welcoming prospective students.

"To be opening right in the heart of Stafford in such a prominent location is great. We are very excited to be part of the town and to be working with the county and borough councils and a range of other partners.

"Once we have established this phase we want to work with our partners and the local community to develop a range of courses and learning opportunities to meet the needs of the area."

Councillor Ian Parry, deputy leader at Staffordshire County Council, said the building was a 'hugely significant' one for the people of Stafford.

He added: "This partnership with the university will ensure it continues to play a vibrant part at the heart of the county town.

"We believe the education hub is a perfect fit for Shire Hall and we are very much looking forward to the energy an influx of new students promises to bring to the town."

The family fun day will feature the university's 'science shack' team who will be carrying out interactive science demonstrations.

There will also be face-painting and crafts for children as well as music provided by the university's jazz band.