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The new £5million state-of-the-art facility, on Priory Park Road in Kilburn, was built with many energy-saving features incorporated.  It has a natural ventilation system, energy efficient lighting and a partially green roof covered with plants.

The most noticeable feature of the new building is its multi-coloured 'brise soleil' façade, incorporating special 'fins' to minimise solar gain and glare. The design, incorporating a full height atrium, maximises natural light despite the small plot of land that the building occupies.

The Mayor met with staff and students and was given a tour of the new building by the Chair of the College Corporation Gerry Davies and College Principal Vicki Fagg.
 
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone said:
"It is encouraging to see all the energy-saving technology that is part of this new building. Environmental sustainability is so critical to London's continued success as a world-class city and must be an integral part of all new buildings if we are to counter the effects of climate change.

"For years this college has provided a stepping-stone into employment for Brent's incredibly diverse population and I look forward to continuing to work with them and other education facilities in London to make sure we provide Londoners with the skills they need to thrive in a 21st century global economy."

Principal Vicki Fagg said that vocational education had been available in Priory Park Road for the last 100 years and this was the next phase.

She added:
"This is a great new facility for the people of Brent, designed with the future in mind. Not only is it architecturally stunning, but it meets green targets and will provide a superb learning environment of the quality enjoyed in prestigious West End buildings - which is what local people deserve."

More than 2000 students are due to move into the new building when full-time courses start in mid-September. Almost opposite is the old Kilburn Centre, which has been sold to residential property developers Crest Nicholson and will be redeveloped for housing.