The boss of an arts college has quit months ahead of its controversial planned closure.

Bashir Makhoul, president and vice chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, announced his resignation yesterday (Mar 28) in a letter to colleagues.

The Fort Pitt Hill campus in Rochester is due to close in September amid a campaign steered by the local art community to keep it open.

Professor Makhoul revealed the reason for his decision to leave Medway was because an estimated £18 million would be needed to upgrade the centre.

The Halpern Charitable Foundation, which helped to establish the Nucleus arts hubs across the Towns, has petitioned the council to list the site as an Asset of Community Value.

This is where groups can nominate land or buildings they believe further social wellbeing or interests of the community.

The campus, which opened in 1970, has boasted internationally-renowned fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, who grew up in Chatham, among its alumni.

Professor Makhoul, an artist and writer, has worked for UCA for six years and told colleagues he is leaving to start the "next chapter in his career this autumn".

"I would like to establish a named scholarship for underprivileged, talented international students," he said.

"This reflects my deep-seated values in creative education and the future of the university.

He added: "During my tenure we have made significant strides in academic achievement, particularly with the implementation of a new curriculum.

"Our dedication to providing students with practical, hands-on learning experiences has set us apart from other institutions.

"We have introduced innovative and cutting-edge programmes that have attracted a diverse range of students from all over the world.

"I am proud of the numerous partnerships we have formed, both domestically and internationally, that have bolstered the university's global reputation."

The Rochester site is set to close this September.

To coincide with the closure of the site, MidKent College announce it was planning to open its Medway School of Arts.

It hopes to have things up and running by June, in time to welcome around 100 students in September.