A MULTI-MILLION pound new centre at a Northwich college was officially opened on Friday.

The ribbon at Mid Cheshire College’s £7.5million performing arts and sport building was cut by Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans.

Students are already making the most of their new facility, with its centrepiece of a 220-seat theatre and four-court sports centre, which are also for community use.

Principal John Reilly said: “The official opening of the new creative arts and sport building is another important stage in the development of our main Hartford campus.

“As a Grade one college it is only natural that we would want to have the very best facilities for our staff and students.

“With the support of Cheshire West and Chester Council we have invested over £7m to create facilities that are the equal of anything in the north west.

“Applications for places on full-time courses in performing arts, music, media and sport are already well up on this time last year which is very pleasing.”

Councillors, headteachers, college governors and the Skills Funding Agency joined Mr Evans in the celebrations.

He said: “It is incredibly important to teach not just the academic skills that make good pupils, but to develop the extra-curricular skills which make great individuals.

“I look forward to finding out how pupils will make use of this great new facility.”

Representatives of Pochins, the building contractors, and Ellis Williams Architects were also present to see their work on show.

Iain Kennedy, from Ellis Williams, said: “We aimed to address the needs of the 21st century students and staff with a view to providing a suitable environment for 21st century learning.”