A NEW multi-million pound art and design college has been officially opened.

Professor Madeleine Atkins CBE, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) was the guest of honour when the ribbon was cut on Cleveland College of Art and Design’s (CCAD) new base in Hartlepool.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was also amongst the dignitaries at the unveiling of the £11million project.

Professor Atkins said: “For the past three years CCAD has had the best graduate employability of any specialist art and design provider in the UK at 96.7 percent, the result of the College’s impressive strategic focus on preparing students for creative careers.”

The new building on Church Street, funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, provides space for degree courses such as fine art, production design, textiles and surface design, contemporary textile products, photographic practice, TV and theatre production.

Mr Houchen said: “CCAD has been at the heart of our creative economy for generations, and has equipped thousands of people from our region to make a difference in the arts and industry. This significant investment by the Combined Authority in this state-of-the-art facility will provide opportunities for young people in Hartlepool and the wider areas for years to come, as well as securing Tees Valley’s reputation as a centre of creativity recognised throughout the UK.”

Dr Martin Raby, college principal, said: “I am most grateful for the support of the Tees Valley Combined Authority and Hartlepool Borough Council, without which this project would not have been possible.

“Our new building offers excellent facilities, allowing our undergraduates to excel and providing a sound foundation for their careers in the creative industries.”