IT NOW draws thousands of students and visitors to its home city, but 40 years ago the campus of the University of York was nothing but fields.

An untouched swathe of land left Heslington separated from the rest of the city.

But the area was about to change beyond recognition, as the first three phases of building began in 1962.

It now houses one of the country's finest seats of learning and, as the university celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the development continues.

Plans for a 65-hectare development, bringing three new departments to the city, are on the drawing board.

In 1962, its success was only being dreamt of.

The 200 students who first came to the university spent their time surrounded by building work as the ambitious project continued to take shape.

In 1967, the city welcomed a major venue with the completion of a 1,200 seat, £275,000 venue known as the Central Hall.

Its futuristic look included a steel-framed roof suspended from an A-frame, and it was party surrounded by water. It was built to be used for large gatherings including degree day, drama and musical productions and examinations.

The industrial infrastructure needed to keep the university running included a huge boiler house, a feature the university was so proud of it took visitors to see it. The boilers gleamed so much even the ladders had sponge rubber bars to prevent them from scratching.

The university was complemented by art, including a sculpture built in the physics department and representing the star system Algol.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, May 23, 2003