Official opening of the Graduate Centre

The launch of the stunning new landmark at the London North campus was attended by around 240 people. Friends of the University, local community representatives, staff and students received a preview of the building which provides new social and teaching space for London Met’s growing community of graduate students.

The Secretary of State for Education and Skills, The Rt Hon Charles Clarke MP (pictured left with Daniel Libeskind) performed the official opening on 9 March.

At the launch Charles Clarke praised the University for its bold decision to commission a challenging modern design. "I’m exhilarated just to be here" he said. "It would have been much safer to go for a more conservative architect. But I want the British educational system to be on the cutting edge by building places that take risks."

In his speech the architect Daniel Libeskind said he had undertaken this relatively small project because "every building is important" and "London needs good architecture." At an earlier press conference, the architect said that although the building is small it makes a big impact and provides "maximum architecture with minimum means." Its "intimate spaces" work in harmony with the rest of the University buildings on Holloway Road.

The next evening, honorary degree holder Lord Puttnam gave the inaugural speech at the first dinner held at the Graduate Centre. Over 40 honorary degree holders from LGU, UNL and London Met convened with the view of ensuring their relationship with the University becomes more meaningful for all concerned.

The audience Lord Puttnam addressed consisted of people from many diverse backgrounds, including fashion icon Zandra Rhodes, the British ambassador in Greece, Sir David Madden, two High Court Justices and the widow of our late chancellor, Lady Limerick.

Relating his experience as a film producer to the experience of teaching and studying at university, Lord Puttnam reflected that it is important to "share your learning, your experiences and your mistakes at every possible opportunity. You’ll end up discovering at least as much from sharing and discussing them as any audience will!"

As the Graduate Centre has taken shape over the last 12 months, it has attracted considerable attention both from members of the public and the media. Favourable reviews have appeared in several broadsheet newspapers and the building has even featured on BBC1’s Ten O’Clock News.

Communications and PR Office



	More photos of the opening Graduate Centre Goulston Street