A ‘MILESTONE’ new Science Centre has been officially opened at Princethorpe College.
Award-winning engineer and innovator Yewande Akinola MBE cut the ribbon on the £8million building, which houses 10 state-of-the-art laboratories, dedicated prep rooms, study spaces and staff bases.
The ceremony was attended by over a thousand pupils, staff, trustees and invited guests, including Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire Tim Cox and the county’s High Sheriff Sophie Hilleary.
Foundation Principal Ed Hester thanked AT Architects, Ainsleys and Trendgrey Construction for delivering the new building.
He went on to thank the College’s many friends and supporters, including donors, who had all helped the building become a reality.
He said: “The Science Centre is a significant milestone in the development and history of the College, not only in terms of the positive impact it will have on Science teaching and learning, but also on the aspirations and STEM-related career choices of generations of Princethorpians to come.
“The project has transformed the College’s entire campus, allowing other areas to be redeveloped and departments such as Geography, Business and Economics and History and Politics to be neatly clustered within the main school building. We have also gained new multi-use outdoor courts for Tennis and Netball.
“We are delighted that our vision for the future of Princethorpe has become a reality and we thank all those who have contributed to the project and worked so hard to bring it to fruition.”
In her keynote speech, Yewande praised the design of the ‘intelligent’ new building, which includes an integrated digital building management system.
She spoke of her work innovating, designing and problem solving for buildings, shared her passion for science, and spoke about its role in bringing positive improvement to people’s lives.
She encouraged Princethorpe’s pupils to embrace opportunities, ask questions, be innovative and express their creativity, urging them to be curious and see where science could lead them.
