DELIGHTED staff at Accrington and Rossendale College are all set to unveil a £3M learning centre today (Fri).
The new site, named the Broad Oak Centre, will be used for 14-to 19-year-old students including 550 pupils from Hyndburn secondary schools who will study there.
The three-storey building is the first phase of a £9M development to to revamp the Sandy Lane campus and will cater for those studying a range of vocational courses such as business, travel and health care services.
The centre has been kitted out with equipment including:
- Twenty-five classrooms including three for higher education classes.
- Two science laboratories.
- Eight computer room workshops.
- A library, information room and shop.
The top floor of the Broad Oak Centre has also been fitted with an Innovation Centre which includes an 85-seat lecture theatre and conference suite for visiting businesses.
Nancy Cookson, principal of the college, said: "We are delighted to open phase one of our Broad Oak campus redevelopment which will create exceptional teaching and learning facilities for all our students including adult learners and undergraduates.
"By June 2007 the whole investment will be complete and our students will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful campuses in Lancashire."
The college is now looking at completing a second £6M building which involves demolishing the existing 1950s buildings to make way for it.
This will include a 200-seat lecture theatre, dance and drama studios, a hair and beauty salon, recording studios and accommodation for support services.
When work is complete the college's Rawtenstall site will be closed down and students will be transferred to Accrington.
