Floella Benjamin, Chancellor of the University of Exeter and former children’s TV star, has officially opened Exeter College’s new Hele Building.

The popular ex-Play School presenter and ambassador for young people met delighted students and staff in the newly built £5.5m structure housing the college’s Department of Health, Care and Public Services on Thursday, March 8th.

She was also met by a Royal Marine who abseiled down the Tower Building to deliver her a pair of scissors for the unveiling of a new plaque in the Hele Building.

Ms Benjamin said: “I am absolutely delighted to be at Exeter College. As soon as I arrived, the affection I felt was enormous. “I am thrilled to be opening this magnificent building. It has a lovely feel about it. As soon as you walk in you know you are in a space that is welcoming, fresh and light. Staff and students are working in early years here and that is what you have to feel in your heart when you are dealing with this important age group. The money spent on this building is a really important investment for the future. “I am so thrilled and happy that the university and college are encouraging young people to think about higher education.”

Early years students who take the BTEC National Diploma in the Hele Building said they were inspired by Ms Benjamin. Emily Harris said: “She was inspiring because she was telling us what we were learning was really important.” Hannah Reeves said: “She has children herself so she is a really good role model for us.” Olivia Spry said: “She said the children we are working with are the new generation.”

Margaret Emson, head of health, care and public services, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed such a well-loved and popular figure who has a lifelong passion for the type of areas our students will progress into.”

The Hele Building on Exeter College’s main, Hele Road site, was completed last September and is home to around 550 students on health and social care, early years and public services courses. The department offers vocational courses ranging from Level 2 (equivalent to GCSEs) to foundation degrees, with the bulk of students aged 16 to 19. It also runs courses for school pupils aged 14-16, adult learners and those training in the workplace.

The two-storey Hele Building also houses a student restaurant, learning centre with library, two IT suites and dedicated study rooms.

Ms Benjamin also visited the Foundations Studies department in the Ted Wragg Building which caters for students with a wide range of learning difficulties and physical disabilities.

Exeter College is currently undergoing a £25m construction programme. The Centre for Creative Industries in the city centre’s Queen Street was finished in 2004 and the Ted Wragg Building was opened earlier this year.
The college’s Essential Therapies faculty and Day Nursery will relocate from their Bishop Blackall sites in Pennsylvania Road to Hele Road next spring.