BOLTON College’s £4.3 million STEM Centre — science, technology, engineering, and maths — has been officially opened.

It was opened yesterday by Richard Noble, the holder of the land speed record between 1983 and 1997, as local employers, councillors, governors and other VIPs had a chance to see how the centre will inspire the next generation of scientists and provide a resource for local employers as an “innovation” hub.

The centre will offer A-level equivalent qualifications and has been designed to provide students with different pathways while meeting the needs of employers to address skill shortages in the workplace.

The centre marks the completion of the college’s development following the opening of the £70 million Deane Road campus in 2010.