West Herts College celebrated last week with supporters from across Dacorum at the official launch of its new campus in Hemel Hempstead town centre.

The front doors of the prominent new building on The Marlowes were opened extra wide to welcome local dignitaries, employers and friends of the college.

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning said: “This brand new campus is a fantastic facility for our community. West Herts College has always provided a great range of courses and with this modern building we now have an inspiring campus to match that quality and commitment.

“The country needs people with a rich variety of skills, so it’s great to see the college guiding young people into modern careers alongside provision dedicated to adults looking to re-train in later life.”

College Principal Gill Worgan, said: “Our new campus will be here for years to come, providing the skills that local people and employers need to thrive and grow.

“The support of our community partners is key to our success. Whether it’s through public funding to help finance projects like our new campus or the engagement of local employers in our student work placement and apprenticeship opportunities.”

The new campus cost £15.6m to build, with £5m in financial support coming from Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

A busy start to the new academic year has seen an additional 200 students enrol on the new courses now available. In all, 360 students study on campus on programmes including the provision available in the newly refurbished construction-skills workshops.