Richmond Upon Thames College is today (25 February 2025) celebrating the opening of its cutting-edge Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) Centre.
Guests from education, industry, the GLA, and local government (including the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Richard Pyne and Ayo Akende, Assistant Director of Skills and Employment - Delivery, GLA), joined a vibrant opening event to explore the inspiring new space – which is now providing students with access to world-class resources and training opportunities in science and tech.
The STEM Centre is funded and supported by the Mayor for London. It is an outstanding hub for innovation and learning, offering a state-of-the-art environment for students pursuing careers in science, engineering, construction and computing.
With a focus on practical and theoretical learning, the centre is helping to bridge the gap between education and industry needs.
Students at the College are benefiting from:
- Advanced training facilities equipped with the latest technology
- Opportunities to develop scientific talent through BTEC courses, A Level and Higher National routes
- Specialised courses in high-demand fields such as biology, chemistry, and medical sciences
- Carpentry, plumbing and engineering workshops, which are set up with industry-standard equipment for students to use in practical lessons
- Speciality computing rooms and science labs
- Forensic and crime scene rooms.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, who visited the campus earlier in January, said: “London’s colleges play an essential role in developing the leaders of tomorrow, and this new state-of-the-art STEM centre will equip learners in Richmond Upon Thames with the industry-level skills needed to secure good jobs.
“This outstanding new campus is part of a wider transformational project, to which the Mayor of London has provided £36.6m funding to help train and upskill Londoners, as we continue working together to build a better and more prosperous London for all.”
Richmond Upon Thames College, Principal, Gavin Hughes, led a series of tours of the new space. He said: “We’re proud of the new STEM centre, it is providing students with the perfect, modern environment to develop outstanding skills required to excel in rapidly evolving science and tech industries.”
Keith Smith, HRUC Chief Executive, said, “The STEM Centre is an inspiring hub for innovation and learning – it adds to our portfolio of brilliant spaces across the HRUC Group. We’re delighted to have the support of the Mayor of London to deliver an exceptional environment for students pursuing careers in science, engineering, construction, and computing, equipping them with the skills to shape the future."
Further information
The College moved to a modern new campus in 2020 – regarded as one of the best in the sector - it features:
- The outstanding 'The View’ Restaurant, seating 100 customers, which can be booked for external events
- A 160 - seater theatre with a live performance stage
- TV, Drama, Dance and Music Studios
- 3D prototyping FabLab, ceramics, darkroom and printmaking areas
- Art studios, and an exhibition art gallery, providing an opportunity for local artists and photographers to exhibit their work.
Harrow, Richmond, and Uxbridge College (HRUC) is one of the largest further education colleges in England. Each of our vibrant colleges has its own distinguished history and is serving local communities and employers across west and south London with distinction. We are proud to be one of London’s best performing colleges.
