Ambitious plans to create a striking new look to the University of Huddersfield campus have got Royal approval.

The £27m flagship building planned for the Shorehead frontage of the Queensgate campus is awaiting consideration by Kirklees Council planners.

But the new six-storey building was backed by the Duke of York, who returned to the University where is a patron.

He toured the campus and unveiled a foundation stone on the site of what is expected to be a £27.5m education centre.

University chiefs want to create the flagship building on the site of its former sports centre and the historic Brunswick Building, overlooking the Shorehead roundabout.

The new building will provide a new home for the School of Law and the School of Music, Humanities and Media and link into the University’s £22.5m Student Central Building.

An artist's impression of the new £27m Shorehead Building on the University of Huddersfield campus

The Royal guest, who was greeted by crowds as he arrived at the campus, unveiled a striking foundation stone bearing his name.

He had earlier seen plans and been told of the developments by University Vice Chancellor Prof Bob Cryan.

It was the latest visit to the campus by the Duke, who has taken a keen interest particularly in the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, where he is patron.

A University spokesman said: “He presented a number of young people, comprising current students and recent graduates, with an award marking the success of their respective start-up businesses.

“The businesses, created and pioneered by the young entrepreneurs, were chosen to represent each of the ten universities in Yorkshire and each business received The Duke of York Young Entrepreneur Award.

“It’s the third time he has been here to present the awards and the Duke is committed to the encouragement of enterprise and entrepreneurship amongst young people across the country.

“He thoroughly enjoyed his time here and actually stayed an hour longer than planned”.

Earlier in the day, the Duke chatted with pilots and support staff of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance when he visited the airbase at Nostell Priory.