YORKSHIRE cricketer Ryan Sidebottom officially opened Calderdale College’s new Inspire Centre.

The centre is part of an £8m redevelopment at the college in Halifax, which includes science labs, seven classrooms, a hi-tech learning resource centre, sports hall, dance studio, all-weather pitch and fitness suite.

Animal care and management, dance, horticulture, public services and sport will be taught at the centre, which also offers skills development in women’s football and netball, men’s rugby league and football and wheelchair basketball.

Students in the existing college building are benefiting from a new entrance, cafeteria and refurbishment.

The centre was self-financed by Calderdale College with a grant of nearly £1m from the Skills Funding Agency. It was completed in 12 months.

“The Inspire Centre is a sign of the College’s confidence, ambition and determination to give students the best conditions possible in which to learn”, said college principal Chris Jones. “We hope that the new facilities will encourage even greater participation in learning and skills development in Calderdale.”