A COLLEGE in Taunton is celebrating after officially opening a new building.

Richard Huish College held the official opening of Oak House, a new boarding facility in South Road on Friday, September 8.

The new boarding house has 53 bedrooms complete with ensuite facilities and ‘high-quality communal areas’, according to school chiefs, who hope it will provide an ideal place for Huish’s international students to have a more independent living experience in preparation for university life and beyond.

Work began on the project several years ago but is now complete and fully open.

Somerset County Gazette:

Huish staff, governors and special guests welcomed the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Hazel Prior-Sankey, and the MP for Taunton Deane, Rebecca Pow, to the grand opening to enjoy a celebratory cream tea.

Ms Pow spoke about the positive impact the new boarding house has had on employment and education in the area.

She said: “It is a great addition to the college and to Taunton.”

Principal, John Abbott, said the facility would be of enormous benefit to students.

“For many international students coming to Huish, it is their first time away from home and this accommodation will make their transition and experience of Taunton and Somerset as easy as possible,” he said.

“We also have a number of UK students who travel a long way to attend Huish and Oak House will enable them to board with us on a flexible basis.”