New look £5.5 million ‘flagship learning building’ opens at College of West Anglia’s Wisbech campus

Mayor of Wisbech David Hodgson enjoying the new facilities at CWA's Wisbech campus (Image: Archant)

Guests, staff and students gathered to mark the unveiling of the newly refurbished atrium, learning street and classrooms on Ramnoth Road, Wisbech.

Local college representatives, academies, council members and businesses - including the chief executive of Anglian Water Peter Simpson, and the Mayor - were in attendance on Friday’s opening.

Steve Barclay MP was invited to officially unveil the plaque to mark the opening of the new facilities, in the main reception area of the campus, before guests were led on a tour of the new state-of-the-art facilities. The facilities opened to students in September 2015.

Whilst at the opening, Steve Barclay MP met current students at the Wisbech campus – as well as try out the racing cars and talk to computing, childcare, graphics, hair and beauty and fashion students about what they think of the new facilities.

In his speech, principal David Pomfret said the catalyst was the investment in the Technology Centre (2013) – which saw a brand new £7.2m technology centre open on campus, with facilities for motorsport, mechanical engineering, welding, motor vehicle, plumbing and electrical installation.

Now in 2015, the campus has been truly transformed following the extensive investment to improve its facilities with the addition of the £5.5million flagship learning building, with cutting-edge learning facilities, alongside a new main entrance, reception area, restaurant, social areas and learning resource centre.

Principal David Pomfret expressed his gratitude for all involved in the college’s transformation and said: “This is much more than a celebration of fantastic facilities. It is a tangible statement of presence, vision and partnership commitment.

“We know that learning pays, not only for the individual in terms of life-time earnings but also for the businesses and local economy in terms of growth.

“The future is bright and should we succeed in our ambition to open up the rail link from Wisbech to March, I am confident that Wisbech will unlock massive economic potential across the region,” he added.

In his speech, Steve Barclay MP said: “I know this is a further step on a continuing journey. “Thank you to partners and all those involved who have been here working to make this happen.”

Today, CWA’s Wisbech campus will see its new-look hair and beauty facilities (The Salon) opened with special guest stylist to the stars Andrew Barton cutting the ribbon.