Sunderland College is to undertake a multi-million pound project to improve sports and arts facilities that includes a new three-storey sports centre.

The project, which will be developed by Bam Construction, will see the demolition of several buildings at the college's Bede Campus to make way for the new sports centre and a new visual and performing arts building.

The 1,205 sq m (12,970sq ft) sports centre will include a four-court sports hall, a fitness suite, a sports science laboratory, classrooms and changing facilities.

Also on three storeys, the visual and performing arts building will provide a performance hall; dance and drama studios; music, photography and media classrooms; recording studios; and art facilities.

Work is due to start on site in April 2013 and be completed by August 2014.

Both new buildings will focus on sustainability with features that include orientation to maximise natural light, locally sourced materials, photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and some natural ventilation.

Works will also include landscaped courts, widening a road, resurfacing part of the car park, creating a new footpath, and relocating refuse facilities.

Design features include Reglit glass cladding to diffuse daylight into the dance and drama studios and allow activity from within to appear as shadows on the exterior.

BAM Construction director Andrew Warwick said: "These buildings will provide state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces for Sunderland, as well as making the Bede Campus more aesthetically pleasing and practical.

"We will also be working to ensure the project benefits the local environment, economy and community."