A FLAGSHIP centre designed to inspire adult learning in Colchester has officially opened.

The Wilson Marriage Centre has been given a revamp to the tune of more than £2.5 million.

The works followed a controversial decision by Essex County Council chiefs to shut Grey Friars College in the High Street in 2006, and centralise adult education services at the Wilson Marriage centre.

The authority was strongly criticised at the time for letting facilities disappear, but insisted it was right to push ahead with the sale, and use cash from the sale of Grey Friars for the Wilson Marriage centre works.

At the opening on Friday, community services supremo Iris Pummell claimed the result was “a learning centre for the 21st century”.