Bay Path Vocational Technical High School has completed the first phase of its $73.8 million addition and renovation project.

Project team members and school officials gathered Sept. 25 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a 50,000-square-foot building addition.

The renovation project includes seven 1,440-square-foot laboratories, two teacher prep stations and a modern library and media center. The two-story addition also features an area for the public that includes a Southbridge Credit Union branch, a student-run hair salon, school store and 120-seat restaurant and bakery.

The new addition was completed when students returned for classes on Aug. 28. The next phase of the project includes major renovations to the existing 198,000 square feet of the 44-year-old facility.

The construction manager for the project is Consigli and the architect is Kaestle Boos Assoc. Construction for the project began in summer 2013 and full completion is scheduled for October 2015.