Grand opening at Wake Tech East April 25

Wake Tech East will host a grand opening April 25.

The grand opening will be held at 5:30 p.m. on the campus at 5401 Rolesville Road in Wendell.

The Wake Tech Community College website describes Wake Tech East as "Wake Tech's newest site, offering university transfer degrees and specialized programs, in engineering, public safety and aviation."

Future plans calls for programs in biopharmaceutical technology, additive manufacturing, mechatronics, robotics and automation.

In addition, bachelor's degrees will be available at the site through partnerships with East Carolina University in industrial technology and Elizabeth City State University in aviation and unmanned aircraft systems.

Facilities include:

• Education and Innovation Center -- Wake Tech's website calls this "a sophisticated instructional and student services building with smart classrooms, state-of-the-art science labs, an auditorium, a library and dedicated tutoring and study spaces."

• Public Safety Simulation Complex -- Includes a state-of-the-art drone pavilion for unmanned aircraft systems training through ECSU.

• Advanced Technology Center (opening Spring 2025) -- This facility will be home to the biopharmaceutical technology degree program and the bachelor's degree through ECU in industrial technology.

• Central Energy Plant -- Will provide cooling and heating campuswide and also serve as a training center in renewable energy. Systems will include advanced solar technology and geothermal wells.