A £5m student venue has opened at the Medway universities campus after months of delays.

The project was put on hold in the summer of last year after Canterbury-based building firm Cardy collapsed and filed for administration.

A new contractor, Kier Group, was appointed in October and it was hoped work would be completed before Christmas so the building could open at the start of the new year. It was originally due to open in the autumn, in time for the start of term.

The universities of Greenwich and Kent have been working in partnership to transform the listed building, once the site of a swimming pool and skittles alley.

Set across two levels, the converted former Navy sports hall now features a cafe and bar, open-plan spaces for meetings and social activities, quiet spaces for reading or working and an area to socialise.

It includes a cinema-style big screen for movie nights and students can watch Sky Sports on flatscreen TVs.

Students have helped shape the way the building looks, even choosing the name of the new bar – The Deep End –which refers to the former use as a swimming pool.

The venue opened on Monday, when free food was on offer, and the following day the first live music night was held.

A student-only opening week party is being held tomorrow (Friday) when rapper Tinchy Stryder headlines.

On Wednesday, a Refreshers Fair takes place when students can find out about clubs and societies they can join.