MEMBERS of the public got a first glimpse inside the new Kirklees College campus at the weekend.

Visitors to the £74m Waterfront Campus ranged from potential students to families who had been curious to see how the iconic building had evolved.

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And the response was resoundingly positive as they got the chance to tour the nine floors of the vast state-of-the-art building.

Groups were shown the main entry point for students, called the atrium, which offers students everything they need for support in one place.

One of the highlights was the aircraft cabin for travel and tourism students, which used to be part of a real working jet.

There students can run the in-flight safety videos and even practice evacuation procedures as the cabin can fill with smoke to recreate a fire.

Other facilities include science labs, business suites, a gym, and a restaurant and individually themed hair and beauty salons which will be open to the public.

Many of the 170 classrooms are yet to be furnished but feature views out over the Huddersfield landscape and lights which will brighten and dim according to the lighting levels outside.

Breakout areas will provide students with comfy spaces to socialise in, while libraries on four floors will mean students have all resources they need in one place.

The light and bright building even uses water from the canal for its air conditioning system and has roof areas dedicated to encouraging wildlife.

The college’s light display, which illuminates the building on an evening, can change colour and is currently blue and white in support of Huddersfield town.

The college, which can deliver courses to over 20,000 students a year, is set to open in September.

Salendine Nook Couple David and Patricia Atkinson were impressed by the new campus.

David, who used to work at Sellers Engineers when it was on the Chapel Hill site, said: “I’ve seen it from the very beginning until now and it’s a big change – it’s a good use for the land.

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“There’s no comparison to the old building and it’s going to attract a lot of people to the town.

“The organisation of the different rooms is very clever and it seems to be very well thought out.”

Patricia added that she doesn’t agree with those who have criticised the college’s ship-like appearance.

She said: “A lot of people have said it looks like a ship and it does in a way but that’s not a bad thing.

“We came because we have seen it being built from scratch and I’m very impressed.”

Young couple Matthew and Holly Hodgson, from Newsome, have both attended courses at the old campus off New North Road.

Holly, who this year plans to enrol on a health sciences course at the new college, said: “It’s brilliant, I really love it and I think it’s going to make a lot of people want to come to college.

“Everything is so different to the old building, the classrooms have so much light and the airplane cabin and restaurant for the catering students will make learning more real for them.

“The building is unusual and a lot different to what we are used to seeing around town.

“But that’s what makes it stand out and I think Huddersfield needs more buildings like this and to be more modern.”

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