A STATE-of-the-art £1m art and design centre will open its doors to students at Bournemouth and Poole College next week.

Finishing touches are being applied to the new block, the first major construction work at the college since The Kube, now called the Digital Design Centre, in 1999.

It covers 828 square metres and includes two fine arts studios, a textile room, two graphic design studios, a print studio, an area for lens-based media and a general classroom.

Work only started on the building at the North Road site in May so architects, builders and staff are all delighted it is ready for use so soon.

Estates manager Colin Wills told the Daily Echo: “The building has been situated and created to make the most of northern light, which reduces glare, whilst providing soft and restful daylight for the artists.

“It looks fantastic inside and, as word spreads, I have no doubt it will attract some great young talent from our region.”

Colin, who retires at Christmas after 37 years service, added: “It’s been a joy working on this project. It’s the perfect parting gift for me.”

The old art and design accommodation will be the subject of an extensive makeover to create a new home for the college musicians.

Members of the public can view the new art and design centre at an open evening on Thursday November 3.