Students, staff and guests gathered at the Heart of Worcester College's recently refurbished Cathedral Building to celebrate its official opening by Worcester MP Robin Walker MP.
The college’s Cathedral Building is one of 3 college buildings constructed on Deansway between 1960-73. Originally built to house Engineering provision, the building has maintained this focus over the years with machinery and equipment being upgraded periodically to match advances in industry thus keeping learning relevant. In 2020 a complete refurbishment of the interior of the building was undertaken with the assistance of Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (WLEP) funding, and although refurbishment was completed in 2020, due to Covid restrictions, the official opening couldn't take place until May of this year.
Robin said:
"I was grateful of the opportunity to see the work completed which will provide students with modern facilities for a conductive learning environment. The investment is a clear example of the benefit of working across partnerships and the Local Enterprise Partnership clearly see potential for Worcester students to contribute to the growth of our local economy in the future."
Writing to Robin, Stuart Laverick the Principal of the college said:
'Everyone who attended – local employers, the contractors who had worked on the refurbishment, our staff and our students – found the networking time extremely useful, with new links being established and current links being strengthened. Your attendance greatly supported the main theme of the event, that Worcester City and the County has great potential for growth and increased productivity, something I know you have raised in your roles in Parliament. You may also like to know that, as a result of the event, one of our students may have secured a Civil Engineering Apprenticeship after impressing an employer whilst chatting over coffee.
'Our staff and students welcomed the opportunity to talk to you about their ambitions for these areas and showcase the new facilities - the high-spec workshops, 3D print area, robotics and inspiring learning spaces - we are so proud of. Your attendance at the subsequent Green Technology space was also greatly appreciated.'
