The new £1.3 million Swale Skills Centre has opened its doors to students.

An official opening ceremony for the building, in St Michael’s Road, Sittingbourne, was held earlier this month when principal Clayton Laker was handed the keys by builder Waller Building Services.

The new college, designed by Kent Design Studio, will provide more opportunities for Swale’s young people in subjects such as catering and hospitality, and hair and beauty and complements the existing Swale Skills Centre.

It features a cafe and restaurant, backed by MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace and overseen by resident chef Oliver Ross, and a state-of-the-art kitchen where up to 16 students can be trained.

There are also two salons, called Headturners, and a treatment room where people will be able to receive treatments from students under the supervision of hair and beauty therapists, as well as classrooms and IT suites.

Mr Laker said: “This new college represents the biggest change in the options available to the young people of Swale in many years.

“The broad range of courses that we offer is complemented by a growing apprenticeship programme, developed in partnership with local businesses.”

The courses will be delivered by the Swale Academies Trust, which includes Westlands and Sittingbourne Community College.

Others at the opening included trust principal Jon Whitcombe, SCC head Fiona Trigwell and Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson.