Built at a cost of £1.3 million, this structure has a floor space of 3,000sqm on two levels. Up to 100 customers and staff can experience light at work, view exhibitions and attend workshops and CPD seminars.

Thorn is targeting electrical specifiers and installers, lighting designers and municipality engineers, developers and end users, and even local students who can gain practical and theoretical knowledge about the principles of good lighting, the products and their application.

The Academy director is Christophe Richon and Martin Thompson, previously UK systems manager, has been appointed training manager. The first training modules cover topics such as Sustainability, Basic Lighting Design, Emergency Lighting and EU Norms and Standards. Half the fees raised from the Sustainability course will be donated to a lighting education trust.

The heart of the Academy is the 37m long demonstration zone tailored to specific applications, product introductions and new technologies. Each is supported with an information video playing on a flat panel display. It is approached via an exhibition area - currently featuring sustainability in architecture and engineering.

Other areas present emergency lighting, the LumExpress contractor/wholesaler offer and a colour comparitor unit where visitors can test the effects of different light sources on fabrics, food and other everyday products.

Outside, there is a 500sqm section where exterior fittings can be studied – and remotely controlled - through the end wall glazing. The site’s roadways and pathways illustrate state-of-the art lanterns, columns and controls.

A 92-seat demonstration theatre, with four meeting / breakout rooms, is on the first floor. An adjacent area houses the cafeteria, which is glazed facing the factory thus giving a panoramic view of the production area below.