£3.5m animal and floristry centre on way

The up-to-date facility is costing in the region of £3.5m, and is due to open for the beginning of the new academic year, starting in September.

Alison Read, head of campus at Brinsbury, said: “We are really excited about the building development project.

“Providing current students and our new intake with fantastic facilities, quality learning programmes and enhanced services, we can’t wait to kick start the new academic year and make full use of the excellent amenities on offer.”

The new centre is planned to house a professional dog-grooming parlour, new floristry workshops and new animal management and vet nursing practice suites.

A spokeswoman for the college said as well as offering a new environment for students to learn in, the new building would benefit the community, which would also be able to use its services, such as the floristry shop.

She added the purpose-built animal management unit would ensure students continued to gain experience on a par with the country’s land-based colleges.

The unit will house exotics, amphibians and other unusual creatures, which she said was already exciting many people.

The campus runs a number of courses in agricultural, horticultural and animal management.

The Brinsbury Show and Country Fayre will take place on May 19 to mark the start of summer.

Open from 11am-4pm, the event will feature many demonstrations and activities typical of the courses offered at the college’s campus.

Live music, farmers’ and crafts’ markets and tractor and trailer rides will also be available.

The day gives an opportunity for all who may be interested to find out about the campus’ courses and programmes.

Visit Chichester College website for further details about attending the event or to find out more about the facilities and courses on offer at the Brinsbury Campus at www.chichester.ac.uk

The college’s Brinsbury Campus is situated near Pulborough.

To contact the main reception call 01243 786321.