Bradford College

MP Opens 'Trinity Green'

On Saturday 20th September 2008, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Sport, officially opened Bradford College’s new Trinity Green Campus!  The £20m development housing the College’s Sport, Engineering and Construction curriculum areas, is expected to be one of the most innovative and ambitious in the country.

Bradford College Principal and Chief Executive, Michele Sutton welcomed the visitors attending the official opening, including guest speakers.  Michele said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Trinity Green building was on time, on budget and opened this September for students.  The facilities are second to none and in addition to them being used by Bradford College students, will also be available to communities, individuals and employers who will be able to benefit from using them.”

Michele continued:  “This new building will set the standard for the future in terms of the City Centre Campus, and together will provide world class buildings, world class facilities and environments for the citizens of Bradford.” Trinity Green forms Phase One of the College’s wider accommodation strategy.  The aim of which, is to create a £120m learning environment.

Michele then handed over to guest speaker, and former student, Mr Gerry Sutcliffe MP, Minister for Sport. In part of his speech, the Minister for Sport, said: 
“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great honour to be invited here to perform the official opening of this great new campus.  It will enhance Bradford, and is something we should all be very proud of.  It is of excellent quality – and that’s important as success, breeds, success.”  

Gerry continued:  “I’m delighted that the number of sports students, has doubled here in a very short space of time.  I’m also delighted members of the community will have the opportunity to use these excellent sports facilities, some of the best in the region, dare I say… some of the best in the country!”

As the plaque was unveiled by the Sports Minister, Mr Sutcliff said: “Thank you to all the people involved, and I now declare Trinity Green Campus - officially opened!”

Gerry then handed back to Michele Sutton, who introduced the next guest speaker, Mr Balbir Panesar PEC.   Mr Panesar attended the College from 1967 to 1971, whilst working as an apprentice electrician.  He is now the founder and MD of PEC Building Services and President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce.   Speaking at the event, Mr Balbir Panesar said: “Thank you for inviting me here today.  I am pleased to be here today, to celebrate the opening of this fine new building.”

Mr Panesar continued:  “I left school at the age of 16 and started training for my career in electrical installation at Bradford Technical College in September 1967. I am proud to have been a student of Bradford Technical College.  I believe that some of the experiences and self confidence gained during my time here has helped me over the years, and led me to be in the position I am today. ”

Bradford College Chair of Corporation, Mr Kevin McGuiness also attended the official launch, thanking everyone involved in the building of Trinity Green.

Director of Corporate Services, Andy Welsh is the ‘Project Sponsor’ and man behind Phase One of the accommodation strategy - one of the most innovative learning environments in the country. Speaking at the event, Andy said:  “I feel very proud today, as this is a culmination of hard work, not just by me, but by all the people involved in the construction of Trinity Green.  This is also a very proud day for the people of Bradford, providing world class facilities for people to train within, helping to regenerate the city back to its former glory.”

During the official opening of Trinity Green, guests were treated to a tour of the state of the art building.  The new campus facilities include: a 1000m² sports hall; sports/fitness laboratories; a fitness testing suite; a dedicated sport theory room; an aerobics and dance studio complete with fully sprung wooden floor; multi-use games area; 2 basketball courts designed to Sport England standard; three 5-a-side pitches; and a full size football pitch that will be made available for community use.  These state of the art facilities also feature in the London Organising Committee’s Pre-Games Training Camp Guide for the Olympics in 2012. 
Trinity Green also provides modern workshops; staff and student break-out areas; Wi-Fi technology; extensive learning resource areas; and student services.

Richard Dunn, the English boxer who unsuccessfully fought Muhammad Ali in 1976, travelled from Scarborough to attend the official opening of Trinity Green.  Bradford born Richard had a Bradford sports centre named after him in honour of his achievements.

Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration speaking about the official opening said: “The official opening of the Trinity Green campus is a significant milestone in the College’s extensive £120m accommodation strategy.  The College plays an integral role in the innovative £750 million Learning Quarter and Bradford’s £3bn regeneration, so this latest move is a major step forward in adding to the vibrant and thriving academic community that the city already enjoys.”

‘Trinity Green’ was chosen as the winning entry in a competition open to the public to name the Phase One new building.  The winning entry was provided by Course Tutor Kay Marshall, Learning Assistant Jean Plowman and their students from Personal & Community Skills.  The name reflects the innovative and inspirational nature of the new building.
 
Kay said:  “Both Jean and I are delighted that our group of students with learning disabilities are part of the winning team. They’re immensely proud of being students at Bradford College.  They get a great deal out of the experience. Their success in being part of the group, who thought up the new name will raise their profile and give them a stake in the future of the College.”

At the end of the official opening ceremony, Bradford Bulls stars, Glen Morrison and Sam Burgess were on hand to present, Gerry Sutcliffe MP and Principal Michele Sutton with signed Bulls shirts.  Guests were also invited to raise a glass of champagne or juice in celebration of the formal opening of the new Trinity Green Building.

To find out more about Bradford College’s plans to become one of the most innovative learning environments in the country click here.

Photo gallery of guest and speakers at the official opening of Trinity Green Campus. 

More photographs from the official opening.