Oscar-winning film producer Lord Puttnam has praised Bath Spa University’s new academic building as one that “any university anywhere in the world would envy”.
Officially opening the building, called Commons, at the university’s Newton Park campus, he said: “Having walked around Commons, the facilities are absolutely stunning. 
“All of a sudden, and for the first time in long time, I wanted to be 18 years old again and going to university. It is quite remarkable.
“I left the movie industry when it was still analogue and where you could look through the film, but this is a wonderful digital facility which is going to produce a lot of talented people.”
Lord Puttnam, pictured, who in his career as a film producer netted 10 Oscars – most memorably for Chariots of Fire – and other guests at the opening ceremony, saw more than 30 staff and student collaborative projects which animated the building, demonstrating the wide range of talent and expertise at the university.
During the opening event Lord Puttnam gave a first screening to a new seven-minute film called 100 Years of British Cinema, made in collaboration with Duncan Kenworthy OBE.
Other highlights included a digital installation by award-winning visual artist Julian Opie on the building’s impressive 6.85m-high media wall, and a sculpture, L'Âge d'Or (Green) by British artist and Bath Spa Professor of Art and Design Gavin Turk in the landscaped grounds surrounding Commons.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade said: “The student experience is at the heart of Bath Spa University and we have been through a significant period of investment and development over the last few years to ensure our students benefit from outstanding facilities as well as academic expertise.
“I am extremely grateful to Lord Puttnam for officially opening the building and I know students and staff alike enjoyed meeting him and showing him around our fantastic teaching facility. We look forward to welcoming Lord Puttnam back in the future and demonstrating the quality of work that our students produce.”
Lord Puttnam is now president of the Film Distributors’ Association. As well as Chariots of Fire, his films include The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone and Memphis Belle. He also won 25 Baftas and the Palme D’Or at Cannes.
