University site named in honour of former Catey winner Eddie McIntyre

The Countess of Wessex has formally opened a £26m university study centre in honour of former Catey winner Eddie McIntyre.

The Countess opened McIntyre House at University College Birmingham (UCB).

The centre for higher education and postgraduate study is named after McIntyre, who became the youngest principal of a UK further education college when he took charge of the then Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Arts in 1983 at the age of 36.

The Scottish-born former chef, who worked at the Dorchester before moving into the education sector, won The Caterer's Education and Training Award in 2006.

The judges praised McIntyre, who stepped down as principal in 2008, for turning the college into a "model institution."

McIntyre commented: "I am deeply honoured to have my name attached to UCB's amazing new centre for undergraduate and postgraduate study. During my time at UCB, I was fortunate to work with an outstanding management team and a hugely supportive governing body. McIntyre House is a tribute to their unstinting dedication."

UCB vice-chancellor and principal professor Ray Linforth added: "This splendid building, featuring leading design and technology, is a fitting way to recognise the legacy of Eddie McIntyre."

McIntyre House represents UCB's Phase 1 redevelopment in the city's Jewellery Quarter and is a short walk from its main site in Summer Row.

The proposed £65m Phase 2 project includes a new fine dining restaurant to be run by students at UCB's College of Food. UCB currently has two restaurants, the Atrium and the Brasserie, at Summer Row.