A new centre that can hold around 700 students has officially opened at a college in Ipswich, costing almost £1m.

Suffolk New College has opened its Net Zero Skills Centre, which offers the chance to gain skills needed to work in careers related to green skills.

The facility benefitted from £940,000 worth of funding from the Ipswich Town Deal funded by the government.

New facilities at the centre include solar panel maintenance and installation equipment, a water harvesting area, a hybrid and electric vehicle studio and an electric boiler room.

Ipswich Star: Alan Pease and Dr Sarah Williamson at the launch. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeAlan Pease and Dr Sarah Williamson at the launch. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

Suffolk New College principal and chief executive, Alan Pease, said: "We are passionate about ensuring that all our learners understand the need for sustainability and are made aware of the many job opportunities available in the green skills sector.

"Green skills is one of the biggest growth areas in terms of jobs so it's really important for colleges to be providing courses and facilities that are related to sustainability."

David Ralph, chair of Ipswich Vision and the Ipswich Town Deal board, said: "We're delighted to have been able to support Suffolk New College in the creation of their new Net Zero Skills Centre through the Towns Fund.

"It's fantastic to see our College championing sustainability in Ipswich to ensure the next generation of learners are equipped with the skills needed to work in an ever-developing and sustainable world."

Ipswich Star: The launch was attended by over 100 people. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeThe launch was attended by over 100 people. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)

The new centre will have space for around 700 students to learn and develop their skills.

Tom Hunt, Ipswich MP, said: "I am delighted at Suffolk New College's launch of their Net Zero Skills Centre.

"This impressive centre will equip new generations with skills they need to work in skill-based careers and is key to creating opportunities in Ipswich for young people to succeed."

Cleo Thompson, 19 from Ipswich, said: "The environment is important to me and future generations.

"At some point soon, every job will have an element of green skills so this centre is very important."

Ipswich Star: Cleo Thompson. Credit: Suffolk New CollegeCleo Thompson. Credit: Suffolk New College (Image: Suffolk New College)