THE £20 million heart of the University of York’s new campus was formally opened last night.

The Ron Cooke Hub, a catalyst for new businesses and research, had its official opening with a lecture by Sir Alan Langlands, chief executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

The first night of the hub – named after former university vice-chancellor Sir Ron Cooke, who also attended the event – offered interactive tours of the flagship building, part of the university’s £750 million Heslington East expansion, as well as demonstrations by student group York Entrepreneurs and a chance for visitors to meet the people behind new business ventures.

The hub, which has already won a cluster of architectural awards, will also provide social and study space for students.

Grahame Brown, its business manager, said: “It provides some of the most exciting and flexible space in the UK for new businesses to establish and grow and brings incredible opportunities to collaborate with like-minded businesses, organisations and world-leading research specialists.”

Sir Ron, a lover of classical music, was thanked for his contribution to the university in unusual style with an impromptu performance from the university chamber choir, to the delight of the 200 guests.