AN £850,000 state-of-the-art glasshouse project will be unveiled this summer.

Students at Kingston Maurward College will get to learn and grow plants in two new glasshouses, which have been described as being ‘at the forefront of technology’ in the horticultural field.

The glasshouses will replace two outdated existing polytunnels, a non-operational smaller greenhouse built in the 1960s, and dilapidated tool sheds.

Work on the site exposed the original garden wall dating back to the 19th century.

Most of the build was funded by a grant from the Skills Funding Agency, together with a substantial contribution from the college via its governors, earmarked for important buildings which would significantly improve students’ learning.

The new structures will house classrooms, tool stores, learning resources, and growing facilities for students.

Their produce will supply the home market and visitors centre with vegetable in both new and heritage varieties, and cut flowers for the emerging British grown flower market.

Head of horticulture Joanna Jeffery said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the opportunities the buildings offer to our current and future students.

“It reflects the interest horticulture. The demand for people trained in a wider range of specific skills. There is a need for well-educated properly skilled horticulturalists, gardeners and designers.”

Plans and progress of both buildings can be seen at the annual Open Day and Country Fair on Sunday.