Local Member of European Parliament visits Weston College's new sustainability centre
The Member of European Parliament for the South West of England and Gibraltar gave a talk at Weston College’s new £880,000 Sustainability Centre.
Julie Girling, a former Chief Whip of Conservatives in the European Union, spoke to members of the local Chamber of Commerce on Friday, November 21st.
Weston and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce President, Gail Parsons, said: “As a Chamber of Commerce we are well aware of the benefits of European collaboration.
“With major projects like French energy giant EDF’s Hinkley Point nuclear reactor build having a significant positive impact on business across Weston and North Somerset.
“It was interesting listening to Julie talk about how this cooperation works at a national level.”
The bespoke community Sustainability Centre Julie visited opened in October on Weston College’s South West Skills Campus where an £11 million revamp is in progress.
The Locking Road-based building is a high-spec environmentally-friendly property built around an oak frame of natural materials with classrooms and lecture theatre.
Renewable technology includes photo-voltaic cells, ground-source heat pump, and rainwater harvesting system. It is designed to teach the next generation of sustainable construction students and show local people how green technology transform living spaces and saves money.
Other site developments include the Lord Baker Innovation Centre, named after a former Home Secretary, and dedicated to vocational education and skills training.
The MEP’s visit was hosted by Training Solutions, providing apprenticeships, training and development for the over 1400 businesses that the College works with across the region.
Training Solutions Account Coordinator Christopher Batt added: “It was a pleasure to welcome our MEP to Weston College and our new Sustainability Centre.
“Julie gave an excellent description of the makeup of the European Union before taking questions on EU finances, regulation, EU-US trade talks and freedom of movement.
“Interestingly, she said that the European Commission has had a change of emphasis to create jobs rather than progressing citizens’ rights.”
