Derby University campus opened

It has taken nearly twice as long as expected to reach completion at a cost of more than £20 million, but the country's highest university campus was officially opened by Derby University this week. It is based in the former Devonshire Royal Hospital in Buxton, Derbyshire, some 305m above sea level, and the just-completed renovations took four years after asbestos was discovered. John Coyne, Derby's vice-chancellor, admitted that the new building "has stretched our patience as much as our resources". But he added: "It is a unique facility that will allow us to offer courses from GNVQ to postgraduate level, and at the same time has helped regenerate the heart of Buxton." The university has transferred all courses and students from its former High Peak College campus. Eventually the revamped facilities will accommodate about 1,500 students on catering, hospitality, leisure and tourism courses, with up to 60 per cent at further education level, 30 per cent in higher education, and 10 per cent in adult education.