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Extended reality lab launched at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds




A college’s multi-million pound extended reality (XR) laboratory was officially opened today.

The West Suffolk College facility – at the University Professional & Development Centre in Western Way, Bury St Edmunds – cost £2 million to build, and has been described by Eastern Education Group CEO Nikos Savvas as a “space-age” design.

It will provide a space for students to engage with new and emerging technologies – namely virtual reality solutions.

Dr Nikos Savvas and Jo Churchill MP at the opening event. Credit: West Suffolk College
Dr Nikos Savvas and Jo Churchill MP at the opening event. Credit: West Suffolk College
Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges). Picture: Mecha Morton
Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges). Picture: Mecha Morton
Metaverse Learning cofounder Jason Holt tries out VR equipment in the lab. Credit: West Suffolk College
Metaverse Learning cofounder Jason Holt tries out VR equipment in the lab. Credit: West Suffolk College

The lab’s architect, Giovanni Patania, told an audience at the launch event that the design was inspired by sch blockbusters as Men in Black and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Mr Patania said: “My experience as a leading architectural designer for Apple had a significant influence on the design of the XR Lab.

“We are extremely proud of being a part of the journey to reimagine the future of educational spaces.”

Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges), Jo Churchill MP and the Architects: Ryan Windsor and Giovanni Patania from Windsor and Patania architects. Picture: Mecha Morton
Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges), Jo Churchill MP and the Architects: Ryan Windsor and Giovanni Patania from Windsor and Patania architects. Picture: Mecha Morton

The project was made possible by funding from the Office for Students and the Eastern Education Group.

Jo Churchill, MP for Bury St Edmunds, cut the ribbon, officially opening the complex.

She told those gathered to mark the occasion: “The moment marks a significant in our journey towards embracing technology and revolutionising education.

“I have fought not to let rurality and location extinguish hope and aspiration – and today shows the art of the possible.”

Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges). Picture: Mecha Morton
Nikos Savvas (CEO of Eastern Colleges). Picture: Mecha Morton

The lab comes equipped with virtual reality headsets, a lecture theatre and wall-to-wall screens.

Dr Savvas emphasised that the lab’s presence will be felt beyond Bury St Edmunds itself.

He told the gathering: “What we’re going to do is ‘gamify’ the learning – so personalise it, turn it into experience, then turn into a game.

XR Lab launch. Picture: Mecha Morton
XR Lab launch. Picture: Mecha Morton

“This will revolutionise education, and democratise it for everyone.

“You don’t even need to come here to do it, because we can send one of the headsets to any home, so that you can experience it no matter how rural your community, no matter how far away form a central conurbation.”

He added: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us as educators, for the businesses using this facility, and for the talent the businesses can recruit.

Zoie O’Brien having a go at the Omni treadmill with instructions from Jake Mills. Picture: Mecha Morton
Zoie O’Brien having a go at the Omni treadmill with instructions from Jake Mills. Picture: Mecha Morton

“We are looking to be the leading institution for extended reality education and talent development for industries across post-16 education within the UK.”