College opens £1.5m technology centre

A £1.5 million technology centre that will improve the education of thousands of young people has opened at Warrington’s Priestley College.
The development – known as the Lewis Carroll Building – will house more than 200 computers and be home to Priestley’s computing and ICT courses.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, principal Mike Southworth said the new facility was befitting of the education Priestley provided.
He said: “I think it’s great news for Warrington that our town’s young people now have access to cutting edge facilities that will enhance their learning and acquisition of skills including those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“Not only does this improve their own life chances, but it will also contribute to the economic and social prosperity of our town and indeed beyond.”
The opening ceremony was attended by councillors, representatives from the University of Salford and Barclays Bank as well as governors, tutors and students.
Guest of honour Dr David Whan, a trustee of the New Engineering Foundation, spoke of the significance of opening such a building at a college named after renowned scientist Joseph Priestley.
After meeting students and having a tour of the college he said the centre would be a great asset.
“Joseph Priestley was a remarkable man and this is a college that is fit to bear his name,” he said.
Overall, £14 million has been spent over the past eight years to create an environment that brings out the best in students at Priestley.
Last year the college became the UK’s first dedicated sixth form to receive STEM assured status – making it one of the country’s top providers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.
Mr Southworth said the Lewis Carroll Building would provide a great environment in which to learn.
“I’m privileged to be in my 13th year as principal here at Priestley and without doubt today represents a very important milestone in the development of our college,” he said.
Pictures: Top, principal Mike Southworth, Dr David Whan, chairman of governors Reg Haslam and vice chairman Di Stead along with Priestley students. Right, students using building robots in the new technology centre.