The building is an extension to a large 1950's high school now operating as Netherhall Learning Campus. Studio Schools combine business based learning with conventional academic subjects. The Kirklees Youth Enterprise Centre specialises in creative arts including graphic design, performance arts, fashion and electronic media. Local industry plays a key role in helping students to set up and run their own businesses. The building itself is constructed from innovative low carbon materials including structural blocks made from recycled timber pallets. It is designed to be passively cooled by exploiting the mass of heavyweight materials combined with natural ventilation via automated vents. Heating is provided by air source heat pumps linked to an underfloor system. Natural daylight is maximised via pultruded GRP windows and rooftop sunpipes. External brise-soleil prevent glare and excessive solar gains. The opening of the new Studio School building (by local MP Barry Sheerman) coincided with the presentation of the Kirklees Youth Enterprise Awards which were held in the new central performance space of the building. The new building was lauded as being the culmination of a long term dream by the school to provide a new facility to serve this role.