A cutting-edge Innovation Centre at Marlborough College has thrown open its doors.

With more than 1,000 sq m of teaching and exhibition space, the state-of-the-art complex aims to inspire the next generation and place the school in the vanguard of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education nationwide.

The £3.5m two-storey multi-use centre features glazed facades, purpose-built laboratories, teaching rooms, breakout spaces, offices and workshops.

It is sustainably designed to be thermally efficient, have reduced water consumption and draw on solar power from photovoltaic panels.

Brymor, one of the UK’s largest independent construction companies, began work in December 2019 before work was completed the spring of 2021.

Steve Morton Brymor Chairman said: “Science and technology are crucial for the future success of the UK and its economy, so high-quality facilities of the kind at Marlborough College are absolutely vital.

“It is incredibly rewarding for us to play a part in the success of this project with the many benefits it will bring the college, its pupils, partners, industry and the wider community both now and as it meets the challenges of the future.”

As well as teaching, the Innovation Centre will be used as a base for collaborations with partner schools, educational and R&D institutions, social enterprise incubators and industry both locally and globally.

Andrew Hart, bursar at Marlborough College, said: “We are enormously grateful to Brymor for sharing our vision and passion to place Marlborough at the forefront of science, technology and innovation in education, helping to create the innovators of the future who can improve our world.”

According to the Department for Education in a report of February 2021, more young people than ever before are taking STEM subjects at university.