Construction for Harrow School’s new science building has begun.

A ceremony was held for the three-storey building, which is expected to open in 2023, that will house 16 laboratories, a 180-seat lecture theatre and research laboratories for specialist projects and A level studies.

It will include a number of renewable energy sources together with a sustainable-energy centre supplying utilities to other parts of the school.

The multi-million-pound project begins as the school prepares to mark the 450th anniversary of Harrow’s foundation in 2022.

Headmaster Alastair Land and a small group of boys, staff, governors and invited guests gathered to watch the three secretaries of the science society break ground prior to first piling on site.

The headmaster said: "Throughout Harrow’s history, transformative construction projects have ensured the margin of excellence that distinguishes a Harrow education.

“The need for inspiring building environments for Harrovians is as important today as it has been for the last 450 years.

“The building will be an inspiring centre of excellence in biology and chemistry for use by Harrovians and the local community."

For the 450th anniversary, Governors have set a development programme that will see investment in the School's bursary provision and buildings.

Work has already started to also refurbish the dining room, known as the Shepherd Churchill Dining Hall, and the science building is the second development in to begin in recent months. Future projects include a new sports centre.