Cirencester College staff and students have celebrated the final stages of construction of the their new £700,000 Animal Centre with a topping out ceremony.

Matt Donaldson, Director of Gloucester-based Town and City Builders joined principal Jim Grant, course leader for Animal Management Kim Monahan and students Nuala Sherry and Charlie Fletcher for the ceremony

The new 240 sq m centre which is due to open to students in September 2019, is being fitted out with a specialist climate controlled reptile room, a dedicated mammal room and extra teaching space.

The building is surrounded by its own outdoor facilities, where students will work with some of the small mammals. A special rain water collection system is being installed for some of the college's most sensitive species, like the endangered white claw crayfish.

The building has been designed to be sympathetic with the Cotswold landscape, including the specially sourced larch cladding covering the building. The centre will also be self-sufficient, with the energy for the building being generated by solar panels on the roof.

Kim Monahan, course leader, said: "Staff and students are very excited about moving into the new centre. The animals will be moving into the centre at the end of July, ready for the beginning of term in September. We have over 60 species of reptiles, small mammals, invertebrates, birds and fish, which we are hoping to expand on now we have the new facilities."

Jim Grant, principal, said: "The new building is a fantastic addition for our Animal Management students, particularly those joining us in September. The students will have the benefit of the most up-to-date felicities to help them advance their knowledge and skills and to progress onto university and a successful career."

The animal care industry is worth about £1 billion to the UK economy and many of Cirencester College's former students have progressed to exciting careers such as veterinary nursing, zoo keeping and animal welfare officers.

If you would like to find out more about Cirencester College's Animal Management course, Cirencester College has an Open Evening on Thursday 27th June between 5pm and 8pm.