A NEW-look Eastleigh College has opened its doors to the public as it marks the launch of a £9m investment programme.

The Chestnut Avenue college has a new entrance and reception area which took five months to build and cost just under £500,000.

It is the first stage of major redevelopment plans for the campus and college chiefs believe it is money well spent.

Chief executive Tony Lau-Walker said: "The new reception and entrance area is a statement of our new-found confidence in our ability to deliver the skills and learning opportunities that the community needs.

"The new reception is the start of a £9m investment programme that will see the college transformed to deliver the skills needed in the 21st century."

Colonel Terry Scriven, chairman of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council, cut a ribbon to officially open a new chapter in the college's proud history.

He said: "It is really quite phenomenal what Eastleigh College has achieved in the last 18 months."

"They have clinched beacon college status, centre of vocational excellence accreditation and are currently working towards Action for business.

Col Scriven added: "All this which can only be good for young people."

Staff, students and local residents were joined at the official opening ceremony by a group of 50 Hampshire "ambassadors" - representatives from local businesses who have supported the investment.