Almost 50 VIP guests enjoyed a celebratory launch night at Lancashire Adult Learning’s new staff hub at Northlight in Brierfield.

Guests and dignitaries were treated to a cupcake and fizz welcome, a networking opportunity and guided tours of the building to showcase the amazing transformation from a former mill building into a state-of-the-art, purposely refurbished staff hub and learning facility. The evening also included a welcome speech by LAL Principal Amanda Melton and curriculum demonstrations by LAL staff.

Amanda Melton said: “It was a delight to welcome so many dignitaries, partners and special guests to Northlight to showcase our fabulous new home and explain what we do.

“The building is fantastic and I’m really proud at what has been achieved. A huge amount of hard work has gone into the redevelopment and it was a pleasure to meet with those who have helped make it happen and have the chance to thank them in person, as well as introducing other guests to Lancashire Adult Learning for the first time.

“Our staff and administration centre may have relocated to Brierfield but our offer to adults Lancashire-wide remains the same – delivering exceptional learning opportunities for adults across Lancashire at the centre of communities where it is needed most.

“Whether it is re-discovering a love for learning, taking up a new hobby or improving your skills to get back into work, we have a course for you.”

One of the guests on the night was Natalie Sarabia-Johnston, Head of Architecture at Liberata, who were lead consultants on the architecture. She was thrilled to hear staff and guests commenting on the light and airy feel to the building, the space available and its flexibility.

Natalie said: “It is the first building that is complete on the overall project and the result is amazing. It is my job to realise the vision so to see people’s reactions to the building has been priceless and to hear people say ‘it looks better than I even imagined it would’ is a really great feeling.”

Tim Webber MBE, Chairman and Managing Director of Barnfield Construction who have carried out the redevelopment, said: “It is great to see Lancashire Adult Learning in its new home and it is the catalyst and the anchor for the remainder of the scheme.

“The building really has been brought back to its former glory and I think the residents of Brierfield will be pleased to see this building has been saved.”

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, Leader of Pendle Council, said: “This is a transformation not just for Pendle, but for Pennine Lancashire. I think the relocation of Lancashire Adult Learning to Northlight is a superb opportunity for local people to access education and I would encourage them to take full advantage of it.”

Lancashire Adult Learning delivers a huge range of planned provision across the Red Rose County, from Arts and Crafts to Humanities classes, Languages to Health and Wellbeing sessions and Employability courses.

LAL has a number of upcoming events where members of the public can come along and sample the curriculum offer and sign up to courses. This includes a Festive Market at Nelson and Colne College between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 9th December.

There will be stalls selling a wide range of seasonal treats, the chance for children meet Santa and his reindeer in a grotto and there will be musical entertainment throughout the event. Those attending will also have the opportunity to take part in a variety of ‘have-a-go’ taster sessions for courses and sign up to a course on the day.

For more information about LAL, contact 0333 003 1717 or visit www.lal.ac.uk.

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