A NEW hub designed to give back to educators across the borough has opened in Dodworth.

Unit 5, by HCAT (formerly Hoyland Common Academy Trust) and Tykes Teaching Alliance has been designed from the ground up as a space for teachers and educators to take part in specialised training.

The not-for-profit social enterprise can fit around 120 people all together, offers up-to-date tech facilities and was built using local traders.

Chief executive of HCAT, Tom Banham, told the Chronicle: “We want to support all the schools in the area.

“There’s lots of professional development needed for school staff, so they’re booking conference rooms left, right and centre.

“This is investing back into the people who look after our kids and keeping money in the sector.

“We’re giving back to the wider education industry.”

To liven up the facility, HCAT brought in local artist Adam Briscoe to create a large mural of the town for the upstairs teaching room.

Other pieces of his art are on display around the unit.

Adam added: “Working alongside Tykes Teaching Alliance and everyone involved has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish.

“I have worked really hard to capture the personality and quirks of our fine town, alongside the client’s personal touches.

“The wall has plenty to see and has already received lots of positive feedback with people reminiscing about old memories of the places I have drawn.

“I am so grateful to be a part of this new amazing learning space.”