A multi-million pound technology centre - featuring a high-tech virtual reality machine - has been officially opened in Wolverhampton.
The University of Wolverhampton's new city centre facility, which features more than 600 high-specification computers, cost £9 million to build and equip.
John Edwards, head of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, said: "This new technology centre is a golden opportunity to educate graduates who can go on to work at flagship developments such as the £67 million i54 technology park at Wobaston Road in Wolverhampton.
"By retaining those graduates and that knowledge base in the area, they can play their part in creating wealth and prosperity to benefit all of the people in a thriving West Midlands."
Prof Caroline Gipps, vice-chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: This is an exciting development which is a welcome addition to the University's city campus.
"Our advanced facilities demonstrate our commitment to providing new technology and innovative higher education."
The centre features hi-tech computing, engineering, design and media equipment, specialist laboratories - including design and construction labs - the latest software, prototyping equipment, two TV studios, a radio studio and digital editing suites.
The building's Virtual Design Enterprise Centre is also one of the first purpose-built virtual reality centres in the Midlands and allows business users to visualise and evaluate plans in detail. Flaws can be spotted and modifications made to the virtual model to avoid wasting time and money on production.
Schoolchildren being taught history have also made use of the facility, taking a "virtual walk" around a Victorian school.
