Construction work has started on a state-of-the-art surgical facility for treating horses and farm animals at Bristol University’s School of Veterinary Sciences at Langford.
The £3million centre, which will be completed in October, will be known as the Alborada Building, after its main benefactors the Alborada Trust.
Besides surgical treatment, investigation and diagnosis for large farm animals, the centre will be used for training undergraduate and post-graduate students in advanced clinical techniques.
Professor Jo Price, head of the school of veterinary sciences, said: “It will house surgical and treatment facilities that will be unique to the region and confirm the university’s veterinary school as a centre of excellence for the treatment and care of horses and farm animals, the training of veterinary surgeons and the development of welfare research.”
She added that research undertaken at this new centre will be of “immense value to vet students and clinical academics” here and abroad.
The information will be made available to horse owners, farmers and vets in research papers and conferences.
The ceremony to cut the “first turf” was opened by the chairman of the Langford Trust, Sir David Wills yesterday (14 February). Miles Littlewort lifted the first turf on behalf of the Alborada Trust.
“This exciting event is a great milestone for both the Langford Trust and the university’s veterinary school,” said Sir David.
“We are extremely grateful to the trustees of the Alborada Trust for making it possible.”
