The eagerly anticipated Enterprise Centre at Harrow College has opened its doors.
The 3000m2 building project which commenced in late 2014 is now operational and welcomed its first classes last week. The contemporary building design brings a fresh, modern feel to the area.
The architect's design creates a strong contemporary frontage to complement the existing Grade II listed surrounding buildings. Its four story height makes it visible from the recently developed Lowlands Recreation Ground (home of Arc House, also managed by Harrow College) and also from the rear side which faces Harrow on the Hill underground station meaning rail passengers gets a full view of the building as they pass.
Traditional and more informal style classrooms, flexible work spaces and an employability hub are all part of the new Enterprise Centre. Teaching for all of Harrow College's business courses will take place at the centre and classes are now in full swing, occupying the upper two floors. The employability hub will be open to all students and will provide a one stop shop for recruitment, careers and work placements.
The centre will also house Career Colleges - a new concept in learning focusing on employer-led education. Among the first to launch in London, the Career Colleges will specialise in Business & Professional Services and Creative & Digital respectively for 15-17 year olds. The ground floor is occupied by various Harrow College departments including Apprenticeships, Business Base and Marketing.
Access to the entrance is through a glazed façade which leads into a multi-storey atrium. The central atrium is thus the key connection between essentially two wings of classrooms. In line with the low carbon design there will be air source heat pumps and photovoltaic cells on the roof of the sustainable building.
The Enterprise Centre is one of two new builds at Harrow College and reflects the college's commitment towards students' investment and providing the latest infrastructure and modern facilities in order to ensure student success.