The new Helford building at Truro College has been officially opened. This new state of the art building is the latest in a series of development plans at the Truro College.

The building was opened by Paul Lucken, executive director of Devon and Cornwall Learning and Skills Council.

Before the unveiling of the plaque, the invited audience were treated to performances from the jazz, drama and dance students. These students represent the focus of the new courses that are based in the Helford building.

Lydia Holmes also performed a solo piece on the recorder; which highlighted the versatile range of the performing arts students that are to benefit from the new building. Student governor Grace Trevethan on the international baccalaureate course spoke on how the new building has been received by the students that are using it.

The principal, Jonathan Burnett, said " This has been a wonderful day and celebrates the culmination of all the hard work invested by a wide variety of people from the construction company to our own premises staff.

"So many students will benefit from the facilities that are on offer. We can now look to the future and the further development of our main campus and hope that our plans for Truro College are as successful as they have been in the past."

The building itself houses drama and performing arts and has outstanding facilities that include a versatile studio for performances. The exterior demonstrates cutting edge design in the form of a water feature that will utilise rainwater to create a spectacular waterfall.

The project is part of the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative - Truro College forms part of the "hub" and this is the first of the CUC buildings to be opened.

Already under development is the new Allen building which will be the rim of all administration - this development is already underway and is looking to be on line in September next year.