Students starting at Norton Radstock College this autumn will be some of the first to use the college's multi-million pound state-of-the-art building, which has been formally handed over to the Principal by the contractors, Poole-based Morgan Sindall. The college's North Side Building has been transformed into a new, purpose-built facility.
Peter Hodgson, Vice-Principal Corporate, said: "It is fascinating looking at the images taken over the last year to see how this building has come together. The new two-storey structure will feature state-of-the-art teaching and learning spaces, as well as student social facilities, which means it will benefit all those who come here to study.
"We were fortunate to secure funding, which means that rather than refurbish the existing building, which dates to the 1950s, it could be demolished and a brand-new, purpose-built facility ready for the 21st century could be created which will provide fantastic facilities for all our students."
The 26,167 square foot building on the Radstock campus was constructed by Poole-based, Morgan Sindall.
Established in the 1940s to serve the Somerset coalfields, the college now has approximately 1,000 full-time students and 5,000 part-time students.
As well as housing the engineering and motor vehicle courses, general teaching spaces, social space and a café, the new building includes a Green Room for training in renewable technologies and energy efficiency in buildings.
Mr Hodgson added: "We are seeing a growing number of young people in the area interested in taking courses at the college, so we wanted to ensure we are able to provide current and future students with the best facilities possible."
The new building will be officially opened later this year.