New Inverness College to open its doors
More than 100 members of the public including local school pupils and VIPs will be amongst the first to see inside the new Inverness College UHI building at Inverness Campus tomorrow (Friday).
They will get the sneak peak as part of UKCG’s (UK Contractors Group) Open Doors Weekend in which the new college building’s developer Morrison Construction is participating.
It is an annual event which aims to give local communities the opportunity to view major construction projects, and learn about the industry behind them.
During the event, guests will receive a tour of the overall site as well as a first glimpse of its interior including the unique copper pods, the gymnasium, the expansive atrium and a range of classrooms and workshops.
The event will also provide an opportunity for local people and school children to learn about the college’s comprehensive course offering, particularly qualifications relating to construction - an industry hotly in demand for new skilled workers as recovery in the housing market continues.
Due for completion in May, the £50 million Inverness College UHI facility will be ready to welcome its first students in August for the 2015/16 academic year.
Ms Diane Rawlinson, Principal and Chief Executive at Inverness College UHI, commented: "Now that the move to our new campus is approaching, we’re delighted to be able to share an insight into this fantastic project with the local community.
"The sustainable building design and layout will offer students an inspiring modern environment designed specifically for learning in the 21st century, making it a destination of choice for students across Scotland and beyond.
"It is also appropriate that the Open Doors Weekend should showcase a live construction project at a facility that will house some of the region’s best construction courses, from access programmes to apprenticeships and engineering degrees."
As well as providing students with one of the newest learning establishments in Scotland, the building will also benefit from enhanced features including an extended research base, a training kitchen and restaurant, all new IT and teaching equipment, purpose-built video conferencing suites, a drama studio and gymnasium facilities.
Morrison Construction is also developing Inverness College UHI’s new Scottish School of Forestry facility at Balloch.
