Brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities are officially open to students of Hartpury University after chancellor Martin Clunes cut the ribbon on the veterinary nursing and technical skills centre in March 2025.
Martin appeared at a special event at the Gloucestershire campus, where staff and students were in attendance alongside guests from the local council, the wider veterinary nursing profession and the local council.
The learning centre is set to provide students, staff and industry with an engaging and structured learning experience, all whilst reflecting Hartpury's ongoing vision to produce the very best veterinary nurses that meet and exceed the needs of employers — with programmes fully accredited by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
In his speech, Martin praised the 'care of this special industry' and how the facility will help to address the need for more qualified veterinary nurses.
The ground floor of the facility accommodates two laboratories with a shared preparation room and flexible study space, with the first floor being home to a clinical skills centre featuring animal simulators and training models.
There's an individual tuition room and office space for staff provided within the building, too.
BREEAM-certified, the building's construction team was made up of Vitruvius Management Services as project lead, Roberts Limbrick as architects and Barnwood Construction as the main contractor.
Deputy vice-chancellor at Hartpury University, Rosie Scott-Ward, said: 'Our students will benefit from an unparalleled learning experience, preparing them to meet the growing demands of the veterinary profession.
'A particular mention must also go to our veterinary nursing team led by Catherine Phillips, who play such a vital role in delivering our programmes.
'This facility will further enhance their teaching, providing a dedicated, controlled space where students can refine their clinical skills before applying them in real-world veterinary practice.'
Stuart Pearce, joint managing director of Barnwood Construction, added: 'We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the opening of this state-of-the-art learning centre, a facility designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and training they need to thrive.
'From the outset, the university’s goal has been to create an inspiring and high-quality learning environment that will serve as a catalyst for the personal and professional development of our veterinary nurses of the future. It’s fantastic to see this vision come to life and to have played our part in its delivery.'
