BARTON Peveril College's £7m Rose Building was given a government seal of approval when it was officially opened by the minister of state for lifelong learning, further and higher Education, Bill Rammell.
He praised the impressive facilities which cater for 2,200 full-time and 2,000 part-time students.
Before unveiling a plaque he said: "This is a very exciting time for the further education sector. We want to see more young people accepting opportunities in further education. It is a social and economic necessity."
Barton Peveril principal Godfrey Glyn welcomed 200 guests to the opening ceremony, which included famous Old Bartonian, 20-year-old Rhys Jones, who recently climbed Mount Everest and has conquered the highest peak in each of the seven continents.
Building work started on the Rose Building in Chestnut Avenue in October 2004. The majority of the building was in use in September 2005 with everything completed by last February.
The building houses various facilities including a sports hall, a dance studio, a theatre and music technology suites.
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