During Sparsholt College Group’s 125th academic year, University Centre Sparsholt (UCS) is proud to have officially opened its brand-new higher education facility, the University Centre Sparsholt Research and Science Centre. The state-of-the-art building is a multi-million-pound investment which provides a dedicated space for UCS students and researchers to thrive.
Guests gathered to officially open the brand-new building while Alan Titchmarsh CBE along with Julie Milburn, CEO and Principal of Sparsholt College Group, and Stephen Martin, Head of Economy and Skills at Hampshire County Council, spoke of their excitement about the future of University Centre Sparsholt’s provision.
As Alan Titchmarsh CBE prepared to unveil the plaque, he shared his enthusiasm for land-based education and the importance of preparing the future workforce and researchers. Alan shared stories of his connection with the land-based industry and recognised the wonderful work that Sparsholt College Group and its employer partners have done for the past 125 years, and continue to do, to prepare the next generation of experts.
Guests were then invited to step inside the £5million investment and explore its modern laboratories, impactful teaching spaces, and fresh study area specifically for UCS students. Members of the UCS staff led the tours and passionately discussed the multitude of ways that the building will support UCS students for years to come.
The investment was made possible by the Office for Students and Hampshire County Council who were both focussed on making additional higher-level education available for students pursuing science and research-based subjects.
An additional tour of the brand-new vertical growing research centre proved to be popular amongst guests. Dr Matthew Tallis, one of the expert lecturers in Wildlife, Ecology and Conservation at UCS, shared a fascinating insight into the potential of the new centre for facilitating research projects and leading in the development of sustainable crop production. The vertical growing research centre project was made possible through the Local Skills Improvement Fund programme from the Department for Education.
Dr Darren Mernagh, Dean of Higher Education at UCS, said: “This modern, energy-efficient facility has been designed to provide a vibrant and dynamic learning environment, equipped with the latest technology to support our students’ academic journey.
The multiple transformative additions to our facilities, including our robotic dairy and vertical farm, showcase the latest in agri-tech innovation and our commitment to the future of the land-based industry.”
Applications to study at University Centre Sparsholt through clearing are open. Visit our dedicated Clearing site to get started! www.sparsholt.ac.uk/clearing/