The Centre for Continuing Education is celebrating its new downtown teaching and learning space on the second floor of the former courthouse.

The centre is holding an open house today from 12 noon to 8 p.m. at its new location at 50 Main St. East.

The opening marks the first time McMaster has held classes in downtown Hamilton, with winter classes starting today.

The City of Hamilton donated the former Wentworth County courthouse property to McMaster for 10 years as a leadership gift to the Changing Tomorrow Today campaign.

“It's a win-win situation for McMaster and Hamilton and the surrounding community,” said Dale Schenk, director of the Centre for Continuing Education. “McMaster's downtown presence contributes to the ongoing revitalization project and we are fortunate to have such a wonderfully well-equipped facility in which to hold our courses.”

The former courtrooms, replete with wood panelling, have been transformed into classrooms and some of the centre's program co-ordinators occupy former judges' chambers, equipped with private washrooms.

The centre features three state-of-the-art computer labs, 13 classrooms, a high-tech training lab, a student lounge and instructors' rooms.

Visitors who attend the open house can take a tour of the new facility, learn more about the centre's 15 certificate and diploma programs and numerous general interest courses and be eligible for prizes.