HRH Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, will be visiting South Cheshire College on Tuesday 16th April to officially ‘cut the ribbon’ on its new campus.
The iconic £74 million building was designed by Jefferson Sheard Architects as a flagship facility which reflects the excellence of the College and encourages learning by fully meeting the needs of students.
The tertiary college, which offers full time and part time vocational and A-Level courses, was rebuilt on the same site over a two year period and opened its doors to staff and students in September 2010.
Jefferson Sheard’s concept for the design is based around gathering together different teaching 'clusters', which each have a distinct vocational character. Each 'cluster' feeds off from a crescent shaped glass atrium which overlooks an attractive copse of trees.
This futuristic design houses facilities including hair and beauty salons, a spa, a multi-court sports arena, theatre and a travel centre. The College also features a three storey library, extensive IT facilities and wireless access throughout the campus meaning staff and students can log on to the internet in any place at any time.
The new College was Highly Commended at the RICS North West Awards for Design and Innovation in 2011 and continues to be a beacon of excellence for Further Education in the North of England.
During the visit to South Cheshire College, Prince Edward will meet staff and students in departments such as Hair and Beauty, Film and Media and Performing Arts. He will also visit students in the College’s Independent Living flat, a specialist facility for students with learning difficulties and disabilities, before presenting awards to students in the Sports Arena. Students will be staging demonstrations and displays in their curriculum areas to showcase their work and talent.
Prince Edward’s visit culminates with the unveiling of a special plaque, which will remain a permanent fixture in the College Crescent, to declare the building officially open.