West Bromwich to receive Royal visit tomorrow

HRH The Earl of Wessex is heading to West Bromwich to open a new sixth form college.

Prince Edward will tour Central Sixth, the Sandwell College branch which has opened inside the former The Public building in the town centre, tomorrow.

Take a look at The Public following its transformation.

He will meet students from the A Level biology and history classes, and unveil a commemorative plaque for the official opening.

Principal Graham Pennington said: "The transformation of this unique building from an arts centre into a state-of-the-art sixth form centre has been part of a wonderful year for the college with our fantastic Ofsted result and first A Level results.

"We are extremely honoured to receive a visit from our distinguished royal guest to mark this special occasion."

Central Sixth now boasts classrooms, two information technology suites with an open-plan IT hub, informal 'breakout' and seminar spaces, and two specialist science labs. It was opened in September.

Sandwell Council will also run a Community Arts Café on the ground floor of the building from late October, in partnership with Sandwell College.

Leader of Sandwell Council, Councillor Darren Cooper, said: "It is great to see Central Sixth open. Our partnership has given the building a long-term financially viable future and we're excited for the future.

"We'll continue to use the building to offer opportunities to residents, to the arts and to businesses – but most importantly the building will now be providing excellent educational opportunities for our young people."

The council will run a series of lifelong learning classes including dress making, yoga and film making, as well as providing business support service for local start-up companies and entrepreneurs.