A MULTI-MILLION pound overhaul of Walthamstow's historic Waltham Forest College has been completed.

The heart of the £3million project, funded by the government's Skills Funding Agency (SFA), is the transformation of its former hall into a gleaming new 'learning centre' in the centre of the building in Forest Road.

The large open area includes a striking giant yellow box containing two classrooms suspended from the ceiling, a café and an IT suite.

The former stage has also been transformed into a performing arts studio which can open up into the learning centre area, allowing for shows and other productions to be put on.

Works also include a new reception lobby and staircases.

The plans, by architect firms Richard Hopkinson and Platform 5, sought to create more open space in the college, which was built in the 1930s.

A spokesman for the Richard Hopkinson firm said: “Before the refurbishment, visitors to the imposing main entrance were met by a shabby and cluttered reception area and a high, blank wall.

“Behind this lay a neglected and underused main hall, with a series of cramped and similarly tired teaching spaces above. Circulation throughout the building was poor and transparency was limited.”

The college's vice-principal Peter Glasgow said staff were delighted at the transformation.

He said: “The college now has a physical visible ‘heart’ that reflects the great teaching experience that we offer to the community of Walthamstow.

"The project demonstrates what a good team of designers can do with limited funds to raise aspirations in difficult times.

"The whole arrangement encourages meeting, dialogue and good behaviour.

"What is best is that it is fun for the students and staff alike.”

Peter Allen, a partner at Platform 5, said: “We feel very fortunate to be involved is such an exciting project, and proud to have provided Waltham Forest College with an exceptional new heart to their campus that will bring real educational change.”

Since the award of the initial grant for the works the college has also secured a further £4.8 million in funding for further renovation works at the site.

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