Over 200 people jumped at the chance to take a look behind the scenes at the newly refurbished Falmouth Marine School, when the campus on Killigrew Street opened its doors to the public for the first time earlier this month.

Work on the £3.6 million refurbishment, which started last year, is nearing completion with the final pieces of the old engineering block now being removed. The facility has been designed to provide state-of-the-art marine sector training resources for students and local employers.

Former student Shanna Smith, who studied FdA marine science, came back to take a look and said: “It’s great to see that Falmouth Marine School have finally got a building to match the superb teaching they provide.”

Visitors to the event were able to feed the piranhas, build a canoe, hoist a sail, meet the sharks, service an engine, clean-up an oil spill, try a windsurf simulation and enjoy refreshments in the new café.

The first two phases of the project included cutting edge marine engineering workshops, a commercial engine room, redesigned marine biology laboratories, an open plan Students’ Union, work stations, a new café with integrated library and installation of a lift for disabled access. The final phase sees the replacement of the Trelawney Road wing with a more accessible entrance and parking.

Amarjit Basi, principal and CEO of the Cornwall College Group, of which the Falmouth college is part, said: “Exciting times lie ahead for Falmouth Marine School. This redevelopment will result in an accessible, efficient and effective campus and will more closely connect college students to real work opportunities; leading to the prospect of sustained employment.”

To find out more about the range of courses available at Falmouth Marine School, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0845 22 32 567.