A NEW state-of-the-art multi-million pound science centre has opened at a Hampshire college.

Pupils and staff at Eastleigh's Barton Peveril College were joined by a national climate change expert to officially celebrate its £5m facility.

The new environmentally friendly three storey structure features nine state-of-the-art laboratories and preparation rooms for biology, chemistry, physics and engineering together with classroom space, a café and large areas for private study.

Professor Joanna Haigh from Imperial College London, who is Co-Director of The Grantham Institute for Climate Change, did the honours by unveiling a special commemorative plaque.

She was at the college to give a special key note speech on climate change for the college’s annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Day.

More than 100 pupils from surrounding schools including Swanmore College of Technology, Thornden School and The Mountbatten School took part in practical workshops and watched an interactive science show from the University of Southampton.

Building work began on the Science Centre in February this year and was completed in time for students starting their courses this September to make use of.

It follows the opening of the college's new £4.2m maths, psychology and media centre by Nobel Prize winner Sir Tim Hunt in 2013.

Barton Peveril Principal Jonathan Prest said: ‘Today’s opening ceremony highlights our ongoing commitment to investing in first class teaching facilities to support Hampshire’s young people with their sixth form studies.

"Our priority is to help develop and prepare our current and future students for higher education, apprenticeships and fulfilling careers.

"The new Science Centre allows us to explore science, technology, engineering and maths in a high-tech environment, enhancing our student experience."

He said the college was confident that such facilities would help attract more people to take up science subjects at Barton Peveril.

Barton Peveril student Tamsin Newlove, 17, who has been using the centre for her studies in chemistry, physics and further maths, said: "Having brand new science labs is just brilliant.

"I’m hoping that working with the best facilities now will help with my aim of studying at the University of Cambridge next year.’