Head of BBC North opens £5m VPA Academy
To mark the occasion Mr Salmon, a Bafta-winning producer and executive who is originally from Lancashire, switched on a spectacular 3D light projection display covering the entire front facade of the building which stands at the entrance to the College's Fulwood campus. The virtual unveiling was watched by an audience including hundreds of students along with representatives from the county's business, education, political and creative sectors.
Commenting on the new facilities, Mr Salmon said: "At a time when colleges and universities are facing a difficult and challenging environment it's great to see investment and confidence in the future. I'm incredibly impressed with the performance and production facilities here at Preston College but equally with the enthusiasm and passion of everyone I've met here at this fantastic facility."
The new academy is home to all students on the College's wide range of creative arts programmes from dance and drama to photography, textiles and music. Its features include a high specification 100 seat theatre, industry standard dance, music, photography, television and radio studios as well as art and 3D design rooms. The building also houses one of the UK's largest Apple Authorised Training Centres.
Jason Turton, head of visual and performing arts at Preston College, said: "Our new facility is a superb addition to the College's visual and performing arts provision where courses attract students from across the UK.
"We are delighted that Peter Salmon was able to join us to mark this special occasion and look forward to welcoming many more people to the building, from students to members of the wider local community, in the months and years ahead."
Dr Lis Smith, principal and chief executive of Preston College, added: "We are very proud of our new academy which has allowed the College to extend provision in line with the Government agenda on enterprise and employability.
"With the creative industries rapidly expanding in the region it's now more important than ever that young people in the North West are afforded chances to take advantage of the opportunities that exist for them in this area - the high quality teaching and learning environment we have at Preston College means that our students have the best possible chance of securing employment once they have completed courses with us."
For further information and course details visit www.preston.ac.uk.
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