A COLLEGE revamp costing £26m has finished ahead of schedule.

Construction work at Orpington College was expected to be finished in spring next year but the project has been completed 10 weeks early.

Buildings, dating back more than 30 years, have been demolished and a new hi-tech four-storey block built.

The new building, called The Ozone, will house a study and IT centre with state-of-the-art computer facilities.

Principal Simon Norton said: “I am absolutely delighted about it and I think it is a fantastic building.

“We hope it will help to revitalise the town and I know this supports what Bromley Council was hoping for.”

The redevelopment, started in July last year, includes a revamp of the college’s landmark 11-storey tower block overlooking Orpington town centre with a newly designed reception and refectory area.

It also boasts a new study centre and eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, while the sports hall has been treated to a new roof.

Extra classroom space has also been gained by transforming the existing library.

Meanwhile an area known as The Hive has replaced the previous canteen and social area, and the entrance to the college has been moved from Market Square onto Lychgate Road.

Mr Norton adds: “They will be able to use much better quality classrooms and will have a better cafe and common area.

“We are also going to have a common room for our mature students.”

Orpington College, which has 1,300 students, was given the money by the Government’s Learning and Skills Council, while it also secured a £1m bank loan.

Although students and staff are already enjoying the new benefits of the buildings, the official opening will be in April next year.

In October last year workmen on the site got a surprise when they dug up an Anderson bomb shelter from the Second World War.

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