Ref. 28525-43ADMISSIONS have rocketed at New College since the move to its £13 million building a year ago.

And now the college is opening its £2m sports centre and fitness suite to the public.

Enrolments are up 19 per cent on last year and principal Graham Taylor has no doubt the new premises have played a part.

"The new building has gone down really well," he said.

"You have got to be good at the chalk face and you have to have quality education. It isn't just the buildings.

"But it doesn't do any harm to have a lovely working environment."

Last year, 1680 students aged 16-18 were enrolled. This year, the figure soared to about 1900.

Adult students numbered 12,250 in 2003, but this year the college is on schedule to enrol 14,500, studying anything from basic skills to Bollywood-style dancing.

The building, off Frobisher Drive in Walcot East, first opened its doors on January 7 last year and has a theatre, recording studio, sports science rooms, darkroom, media labs and an office for the Students Union. There is even a New York diner.

And when the students go home at the end of the day, the community takes over. Both the main building, including the studio and theatre and the sports centre are well-used by local groups.

Mr Taylor emphasised that because the college was part of Parks and Walcot, it was important the buildings were used by local people.

"We like to work closely with the neighbourhood groups because it is their facility too," he said.

Making the facilities available to the public also helped pay for the learning at the college, he added.

The sports hall, which boasts a comprehensive fitness suite and IT seminar room, was funded by the college and the Learning and Skills Council.

Students have had access to the facility since October, but now local people can use it and they are jumping at the chance.

"We decided to keep it low key until we were sure things were running smoothly," said facilities manager Dan Thorley.

The sports hall is so popular that there are only four hours a week left available for hire.

Membership for the gym was opened up this week and already 16 people have joined.

Taking pride of place in the suite is up-to-the-minute Life Fitness hammer strength resistance equipment, that works the upper and lower body. "It is a fantastic piece of kit," said Mr Thorley."

The building also has an IT seminar room available for public hire.

"Looking at the facilities we have now, especially with the design of the floor, there is nothing else like it in Swindon for students," said Mr Thorley.

Graham Taylor is delighted with the new centre.

"A sports centre only makes sense if sports and community groups and local individuals are using it. We only have it nine to five, but the rest of the time it is for them," he said.

For bookings, call Mr Thorley on Swindon 732847 or email sportscentre@newcollege.ac.uk.

Tina Clarke