WORK has begun on a new £2.6 million science centre at Worcester Sixth Form College.

The state-of-the-art facility, expected to be completed in May next year, will provide four new laboratories, along with study space and computer equipment for students studying science subjects.

The project has been jointly funded by a £1.5 million government grant, as well as £125,000 from Worcester City Council, which was announced last month.

The college is funding the remainder itself and is hoping to attract business sponsorship to the centre.

Principal, Michael Kitcatt, described this as “a particularly significant time in the college’s development”.

“The new science centre is about much more than bricks and mortar as it will enable us to develop many exciting projects with local businesses and, as a result, to make our students even better prepared to enter higher education and employment,” he said.

Worcester MP Robin Walker said he was firmly in favour of encouraging students to study science subjects beyond GCSE level.

“This scheme looks like an excellent use of funds and sponsoring it will be a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to show their support for the college,” he said.

And Worcester City Coun-cil leader Coun Adrian Gregson said the college could provide a boost to the city’s skills pool.

“It seems that many local employees are struggling to find the recruits they need with the right skills, especially in science, engineering, technology and mathematics sectors,” he said.