New 5.7M Yeovil College Leonardo Launch, A Sign Of Success
Over 100 guests, students, employers and parents’ celebrated the official launch of the new Leonardo building today. The official ceremony was topped off by an exciting firework display and finished with a magnificent red firework sign of the name Leonardo. Guests were then taken on an exciting tour of the new building by students, eager to show off some of their innovative and creative projects displayed throughout the building.
The £5.7m investment presents a modern and unique facility for learning, with a striking fifteen meter, three storey high glass wall. Most of the ground floor is taken up by spacious engineering areas, while the second floor, houses IT and music practise rooms along with a number of new classrooms. Art and design students enjoy the top floor, with darkroom and photography facilities and a superb new media production facility.
The Leonardo opening marks an exciting time for Yeovil College, as major investments are made in buildings, resources and equipment to meet the growing needs of students. Almost 50 years ago to the day Yeovil Technical College celebrated the opening of the original Petters building, now replaced by Leonardo.
The 2007 launch was officially opened by David Laws MP, a keen supporter of the College; Mr Laws remarked how impressed he was with the standard of the building and the difference that its facilities will make to students, the community and local businesses. Other special guests included Yeovil Mayor Tony Lock, Mayoress Jenny Vickers, South Somerset District Council Chairman Ian Martin and Cllr Pat Martin. Principal James Hampton and Chair of the Governors Tony Allum also welcomed representatives from local schools, the LSC, students, parents and staff.
The building was floodlit to take a powerful centre stage in the Mudford Road campus, whilst hospitality students prepared and served a delicious range of canapés and drinks to help the celebrations. Both students and staff have worked tirelessly over the last few weeks to show the building at its best, with an impressive range of Artwork displays, dancers and demonstrations the evening was a real success.
Principal, James Hampton said “Leonardo is a powerful symbol of renaissance for the College, but we also hope it is a symbol of renaissance for the town. A town that is proud of its heritage, but seeks not just to preserve that heritage, but build upon it and create and inspire us all for the future. We are delighted to welcome you to Leonardo and hope that both current and future generations of students enjoy and flourish in a new innovative learning environment.”