A £2m sports facility has been opened at Stamford College thanks in part to funding from the Greater Lincolnshire LEP.

The opening of the Borderville Sports Centre extension was celebrated by local dignitaries, Inspire Education Group staff and Stamford College students at a ceremony that overlooked the centre's new 3G pitches.

Fifty per cent funded by the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, the extension of Borderville has given the building a refreshed and welcoming appeal. Designed by Waterlands Architects and built by Lindum Construction, the facility is constructed from locally sourced Ketton limestone and sustainably sourced timber.

The end result is in keeping with the modern facilities offered by the college across its wider campus and the historical setting of Stamford.

Guests at the ceremony were able to tour the 807 square metres of new learning space, which includes a sports laboratory, gym, IT room, study zone and six classrooms.

Rachel Nicholls, Inspire Education Group’s Chief Executive Officer, said the sports centre extension is a great example of innovation and excellence within IEG. "The building ensures that Stamford College students are able to learn in first-class facilities," she said.

This was reaffirmed by the Chair of Governors, Ian Jackson, who said: "Buildings and facilities really matter to us – we can see that if students learn in a really great, industry-standard environment, it raises aspirations and provides them with great experience."

Borderville is now the primary learning facility for over 100 additional students on a weekly basis, including those studying sports and public services courses and those enrolled at the Air & Defence College.

A spokesperson for the LEP said: “We’re very pleased to have contributed to this important development with £1.12 million of grant funding. The centre is not only delivering new courses and apprenticeships in the in the realms of sports and public services, but will also provide a much-needed training space for our defence sector."

Gareth Davies, MP for Grantham and Stamford, cut the ribbon and declared the building officially open. “The Borderville Sports Centre extension is laying the foundations to ensure that Stamford’s future is as significant as its past," he said.

"This is an amazing facility, at an amazing college, and will play a big part in shaping the future of our town and the community."