A £750,000 state-of-the-art teaching and learning centre is due to open at Thames Valley University next year.

It is thanks to a grant from The Savoy Educational Trust charity which is backing the Leadership and Management Development Suite at the campus in St Mary's Road, Ealing, expected to open in September 2011.

The centre will include a 75-seat lecture theatre and fully-equipped conferencing room with high-tech equipment such as a video link to hospitality and tourism leaders around the world, as well as a performance area and library. As well as giving students a boost in their future careers, the new centre is hoped to also act as a hub for local businesses.

Professor David Foskett, Associate Dean and Head of the School of Hospitality and Tourism said: "Our School has enjoyed an enviable reputation as an innovative and high quality provider of education in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Tourism and Events Management for over 60 years. It is widely recognised for the exceptional achievements of its alumni, its commitment to craft training and its links with industry.

"The School’s teaching publications are used in over 25 countries and have been translated into several languages. This new centre will give the students the environment they deserve."

The Savoy Educational Trust is an independent charitable trust which aims to advance and develop education, training and qualifications within the hospitality industry.

A trustee said: "In April 2011, the Savoy Educational Trust will celebrate its 50th birthday and we are delighted that this exciting project with TVU will coincide with this milestone occasion for the Trust. We look forward to the opening of this first class teaching and learning environment in the autumn of 2011 with great anticipation."

No disruption is expected during the work.