Guests Get to Look in £41m Campus
Guests and friends of Furness College, in Barrow, were given a preview inside the four-storey building before it is handed over next week.
Governors, headteachers of Furness schools and colleges, and figures from business and the community toured the state-of-the-art building which is being built by Eric Wright Construction.
John Butler, chair of governors at the Channelside college, said the event was not a formal stage in the calendar of the development, but said it was an important chance to say thank you to all those who have supported the institution.
Students are moving into the Broadway Malyan-designed building in the New Year.
The guests were given an idea of the loft apartment style and bright wall designs planned for the interior through computer images before they stepped inside. The open and airy building covers more than 13,000 square metres. The guests were shown inside the large classrooms and learning spaces which feature touch screen TV technology. There are high-tech labs, professional kitchens, modern constructions and engineering workshops.
The motor vehicle centre features the latest equipment used in MOT testing, while the hair and beauty salons and training rooms are like what is seen in a city salon. The spa and sauna facilities and hair and beauty treatments will be open for commercial use. There is also a terrace café and restaurant boasting spectacular views.
Mark Nicholson, deputy principal at Furness College, said: "The building has been about eight years in the planning. It's what the town deserves."
Furness College was one of the very last projects to receive capital funding through the former Learning and Skills Council, while hundreds of other colleges around the country missed out.
Furness and Barrow MP, John Woodcock, said the new build for Barrow is an achievement given the financial restraints the country is now facing.
He said: "It's so impressive and brilliant to finally see this come to fruition. It has been such a long road. Everyone involved should be commended for keeping this on track."
Alan Dickenson, the headteacher of Walney School, which is undergoing a £6m revamp with Eric Wright Construction, said: "This is phenomenal. The specification is really high. It's wonderful that Barrow will have this fantastic facility."
Victoria Junior School headteacher, Caroline Vernon, said: "I like the calm feel that has been created and the space, and the vision for the design.
"It's very contemporary, I'm sure the young people will really like it. If you are looking for the kind of place to raise aspirations this is the place to do it."
The college's Learning Resources Centre will be revamped to create new teaching areas.
Older buildings will make way for a multi-use games area.
Posted: 15th December 2011