Bradford College launches new city centre salon (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford College launches new city centre salon

8:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News By James Rush, T&A Reporter

The latest hair and beauty trends and facilities were on display when Bradford College officially opened its new venue in the city centre.

The new centre for hairdressing, beauty therapy and IT, in Centenary Square, opened its doors yesterday.

Guests could view the facilities at the building, which will be operating as a commercial salon by hair and beauty students at the college.

The college’s drop-in IT Learning Centre has also been moved from Sunbridge Road to the city centre location to offer courses on a range of ICT skills.

Michele Sutton , the college’s principal and chief executive, said: “Bradford College, for a long time, has wanted to have a city centre premises, so when this opportunity came up we worked with Bradford Council to ensure we could get this prime city centre location.

“Our links with the industry has meant that we could get the very highest quality of environment for clients and for students.”

BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd, who was born and educated in Bradford and received an honorary fellowship at last year’s graduation ceremony, was on hand to officially open the building.

During the event guests were treated to tours of the facilities and demonstrations by the college’s Creative Hair and Nails Team, who worked with professional models to produce current looks and new nail techniques.

College photography students organised a photo shoot for the models, and hospitality and catering students provided the food and drinks.

Councillor Ralph Berry , the Council’s executive member for children’s services, said: “I’m delighted. It gives a good message to the young people and the city that we now have truly high quality learning and opportunity right here in the heart of the city centre.

“Bradford needs to be a city of learning and all credit to Bradford College for what they have achieved here.”

The Centenary Hair salon features nine hair stations and two nail bar stations.

Anne Meek, programme manager for hairdressing and beauty therapy at the college, said it would allow students to gain real-life salon experience in a busy environment, providing them with better opportunities of securing future employment.