DELUXE laptops, a state-of-the-art recording studio and a room which can simulate Arctic and Sahara-style temperatures are just some of the hi-tech wizardries on offer at the county’s first specialist learning centre.

The £3.5million facility will open at Bromfords School, in Grange Avenue, Wickford, this Friday.

The Collaborative Learning Centre, as it is called, will boast hi-tech music, art and IT facilities which are not available in most schools.

Youngsters from schools across Wickford will be able to use the centre during school hours, while in the evenings it will be open for the local community. It has been funded through Essex County Council’s Primary Capital scheme.

Music and film software, including recording booth and broadcasting equipment, video conferencing, commercial printing facilities, plasma screens and modern projection facilities, are also part of the centre.

There will also be a large hall, entrance area, and classrooms for workshops.

The highlight of the building is the “theme room” with temperature, sound, smoke and smell programming, which will give children an experience like being in environments such as the Arctic or Sahara desert.

Rachel Voller, extended services co-ordinator for Wickford, said: “The Wickford Collaborative Learning Centre is a unique and innovative facility which will bring much benefit to the community.

“The resources available are exciting and provide many opportunities for improved and advanced learning.”

Derrick Louis, county councillor responsible for major projects, added: “This is a fantastic centre for local schools and the whole community.

“It will offer school children experiences beyond the classroom.

“I am excited to see Essex is leading the way in collaborative learning centres”.