TWO leading figures in the £5.8m development of a Worcestershire horticulture college were given a "window of opportunity" to see how the massive glazing project is progressing.

Peter Deeley, of the Deeley Group, and Tamsin Jones, interim principal at Pershore College, were given a tour of the site where the first section of more than 11,000 sq ft of glazing, which is valued at £450,000 and covers 75 per cent of the building, has been fitted. Deeley Construction, part of the Deeley Group, is transforming the college, which is part of the Warwickshire College Group, including a glass complex that will house a new science and technology centre, a collections house, teaching rooms, project spaces and extensive research and development facilities.

Ms Jones said: " This stunning new building will provide our students with an innovative, technologically-enhanced environment unrivalled in the further education sector. We have been working with experts from RHS Wisley on the project, so it truly is cutting-edge. Horticulture is a vital industry for the local, regional and national economy so by inspiring young people to focus on horticulture as a career we can help tackle the skills shortages in the sector. These facilities are crucial for the college and our students, but will also benefit local employers and the wider community. This year we are celebrating 60 years of horticultural excellence at Pershore College, and these new state-of-the-art facilities will ensure we continue to be at the forefront of the industry across the region and nationally.”

Work is due for completion in August with Deeley providing a highly-technical facility to meet the 21st century needs of the college and the sector.

Mr Deeley added: "This is a very exciting project and we are pleased with the way work is progressing. It was also great to see the very real enthusiasm for the project at the college and just what it means to them and their future. That’s why our industry is so important. The glazing will be absolutely stunning when it’s completed and is crucial for the future use of the building.”

The double glazed units on the main building will include a body tint to help reduce glare while, in places, it will include a brise soliel that further cuts out glare. The glass on the collections house is a single but toughened pane which allows the right wavelengths to travel through the glass to support plant growth, while maintaining strength. The glass on the roof will also be self-cleaning, helping to cut down on maintenance costs.

Pictured (left to right): Peter Deeley, Edward Hudson (both Deeley Group), Tamsin Jones, Jennie Harker (both Pershore College), Kevin Gallagher (Deeley Group).