A ‘new-look’ centre providing a platform for Chinese culture, research and activities was officially opened at Lancaster University on Wednesday.

Works to the iconic Round House building, which houses the Confucius Institute, have been completed in Lancaster Square as part of an extensive remodelling project, funded by Hanban, the Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing.

The renovation and extension includes, on the ground floor, the creation of open plan study space for students which also offers a spacious meeting and function room, and a Chinese resource centre while, for the first time, newly acquired space on the first floor provides a ‘hub’ for visiting academics, plus seminar rooms and office space.

Formally opening the refurbished centre, Lancaster University’s new Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement, Professor Dame Sue Black, thanked Hanban for the confidence it had shown by its investment.

She praised the community engagement activities organised by the Confucius Institute including Chinese New Year celebrations in Carlisle, its involvement with the Light-up Lancaster festival and the many school and outreach teaching activities.

“We encourage creative partnerships between our students, staff and local communities to enhance life on campus and in the city,” said Professor Dame Black.

The audience included officials from Hanban Headquarters in Beijing; Mr Xuefeng Chen, a Consul from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Manchester; the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Andrew Kay; representatives from senior schools (Ripley St Thomas in Lancaster and Rossall) and two Blackpool primary schools where 600 children study Chinese each week and Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the re-opening, there were performances of Chinese martial arts, opera and dance.

Institute Director Professor Bob Liu and Deputy Director Derek Hird hosted the ceremony.

· The Confucius Institute at Lancaster University was opened in 2011. It provides Mandarin language and culture classes to students, local schools, communities and businesses and supports enterprise throughout the North West region through a range of Chinese-themed events.

Pictured: Officials and guests at the ribbon-cutting to mark the official re-opening of the new-look Confucius Institute at Lancaster University with Professor Dame Sue Black (second from right) and the Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Andrew Kay (fourth from right) with Mr Qin from Hanban (fourth from left) and Mr Chen Xuefeng (second from left) from the Chinese Consulate in Manchester.