The University of Warwick is celebrating the progress of its new Faculty of Arts development with a ceremony to mark the progress in construction.

When completed, the new building which is at the heart of the University’s Central Campus, will provide an architecturally outstanding environment demonstrating the Faculty of Art’s ambitions and will significantly enhance the campus.

A time-capsule burial was celebrated today (Tuesday 19 November) with guests welcomed by James Breckon, Director of Estates at the University of Warwick and Penny Roberts, Chair of the Faculty of Arts.

The time capsule is intended to connect the past with the present and future, very much in the way the Arts and Humanities are able to span these multiple dimensions.

The past is represented by pictures from the University archives of the construction of the Humanities Building, the present includes a copy of The Boar and the Coventry Telegraph, a copy of the ceremony proceedings and attendees, a University brochure From Shakespeare to Sonic: Creative Industries of Coventry and Warwickshire, which includes an image of the new building hoardings and a mobile phone representing communication.

For the future represention, the capsule includes a copy of the architects' Feilden Clegg and Bradley Studios RIBA competition winning design and vision for the new building and a message from a current Faculty of Arts student to future students.

Staff and students from the Department of Classics and Ancient History were also present at the ceremony to provide a libation ritual to mark the occasion.

Construction started in April with the project team lead by Main Contractor, Bowmer + Kirkland, working closely with architect Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios to create a stunning building uniting the Faculty of Arts departments under one roof enabling collaboration and creativity among users.

Professor Penny Roberts, Chair of the Faculty of Arts, said: “This is an exciting moment for the Faculty of Arts and for the wider university community as we begin to see our long-held vision for the future of research and teaching taking physical form. The new building will provide a stimulating and collaborative environment for all our students and staff, enhancing excellence and innovation in learning and scholarship.”