The official opening of Westminster Kingsway College’s redesigned Victoria Centre took place on Monday 23 May 2016. The auspicious event was led by Andy Wilson, designated CEO of Central London Colleges Group (CLCG), who introduced past and present students to unveil a plaque, marking the launch of the new building.
As a founding partner in the Central London Colleges Group, Westminster Kingsway College has been bold and ambitious in its approach to redesigning one of its key learning facilities. Real work environments run throughout the building, including new conference suites, three College restaurants and pop up retail shops. The innovative new building provides a stimulating learning environment both in and outside the classroom.
The redevelopment of the Victoria Centre has been supported by a grant as well as the College’s own reserves, with the newly renovated teaching facility being delivered at a time when the importance of FE colleges has never been clearer.
Andy Wilson said: “We have been planning the redevelopment of our Victoria Centre for over 10 years. We knew we had a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a landmark facility for Hospitality, Business and Enterprise in the very heart of London. We wanted a building where those who already work in these sectors and those who aspire to do so would feel equally at home.
The facilities build on the working environments that have been created during the first 100 years of the College’s history. They will ensure our students are fully prepared for careers in the world’s most exciting city through the middle decades of the 21st century.
Students are encouraged to make the most of every minute they are in College, whether they are developing their existing skills and work practices or establishing the new ones they will require when they reach employment. The College is now also home to the Vincent Square Conference Centre, which will be run by students and operates alongside three commercial restaurants.
The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, which we also celebrated at the event, recognises the College’s existing successes in serving employers in the Hospitality sector. Further Education in London is entering a new era in which these relationships, alongside those with London Government, are ever more critical.
We now look forward to welcoming future generations of students and businesses into our new state-of-the-art teaching spaces in the Victoria Centre, to work with us in creating the skilled workforce of the future.”
Kirsty Allen, a Westminster Kingsway College Alumni who is now working as Commis Chef at the Dorchester Hotel, said: “I graduated from my Professional Chef Diploma last year when the building was still being redeveloped. Now that the building is complete it looks incredible, especially the new atrium. It really is a world-class teaching facility, and I know if it wasn’t for the College, I wouldn’t be working at the Dorchester.
“I see Westminster Kingsway College as part of my extended family, so I feel proud to have been invited back here to help launch the new Centre.”
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