A new era for Rotherham College

Rotherham College welcomed the MP to its Dinnington campus on Friday to do the honours at its new central Heartspace area, which was attended by students, tutors, governors, VIP guests and employers working with the college.

The transformation of the campus is the latest stage in the college’s £18m, four-year programme of investment.

It includes the Heartspace social and events area, upgrades to the cutting-edge games and animation department, IT facilities, the Animal Management department and new facilities for Foundation students, who will run social enterprise activities within and from the campus.

Principal Gill Alton said: “This is a really important milestone for us to celebrate.

“We’re standing and sitting in what is a massive engineering achievement called the Heartspace, designed to provide our students with a vibrant social environment.

“We believe our students have the absolute right to learn in the best possible facilities that the college can provide.

“This investment is testament to that commitment.”

Sir Kevin, a former student of the college, said: “Every time I visit the College I am amazed how engaging it is with the 21st century.

“As the chair of the all-party British film industry group, I can tell you we have great industry strength in film making, but one of our greatest strengths in the UK is the gaming industry.

“It’s fantastic that we are endorsing this area at the college and training the next generation of media, animation and games specialists.”

The college is holding an open day on May 16 from 10am to 2pm.