A GOVERNMENT minister joined university leaders, councillors and researchers to officially open Hartpury University's new £12.75 million University Learning Hub.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister of State for Skills, visited the Gloucestershire campus on Friday, June 5, to formally declare the building open during a ceremony attended by local MP Matt Bishop, representatives from Forest of Dean District Council, Cinderford Town Council, Hartpury governors and project partners.

The new facility brings together the university library, student support services, study spaces, classrooms, careers advice and the Red & Black Café under one roof.

Welcoming guests, Hartpury Vice-Chancellor, Executive Principal and CEO Professor Andy Collop thanked the organisations, civic leaders and partners who had helped make the project possible before inviting Baroness Smith to officially open the building.

Baroness Smith described the facility as an "inspirational addition" to the university.

She said: "It's right that we celebrate what we have in this country, which is a world-leading higher education sector.

"But to make the most of that, we need to ensure that people are able to access it, where they can make the most of a university education, that they're able to do that.

"But not just to arrive in university, but also to thrive whilst they're here."

The minister praised the hub's 24-hour access, collaborative study areas, library and student support services.

She also highlighted the wider impact universities have on their communities through partnerships with employers and local organisations.

Baroness Smith praised Hartpury's close relationship between its college and university provision, saying it offered learners a clear pathway from further education into higher education.

Following the ceremony, guests were taken on guided tours of the new building.

Dr Lucy Dumbell led a tour of the ground floor facilities, including the Student Advice Help Desk, study spaces and the Achievement and Success Centre.

She explained how the building had been designed to support both formal and informal learning, creating social spaces where students could work together and access support services in a welcoming environment.

Visitors then moved to the first floor library, where Library Manager Emma Stevens showcased the resources available to students.

The facility provides access to online journals, e-books, laptop loans and automated issue-and-return systems which allow students to access resources around the clock.

The minister and Mr Bishop also met several postgraduate researchers during their visit.

Among those showcasing their work were saddle fit researcher Cobi Baille, medical microbiology researcher Libby Nicklin and agricultural engineering researcher Wing Ng.

Hartpury governor Robert Brooks highlighted the importance of the institution's dual role as both a college and university, describing it as a valuable bridge for local learners progressing from further education into higher education.

He said the model was particularly important for students from smaller schools across the Forest of Dean and surrounding areas who may otherwise feel university is beyond their reach.

The new University Learning Hub is expected to become a focal point of campus life, providing students with a dedicated space to study, access support services and prepare for future careers.