THE name of Chelmsford’s most famous resident will live on at the town’s university.

Anglia Ruskin University’s Rivermead campus is home to the building named after the scientist and radio pioneer, Guglielmo Marconi.

His daughter and grandson visited the building to perform the opening ceremony.

Princess Elettra Giovanelli Marconi made the trip from her home in Italy to open the building in honour of her father, who was so passionate about innovation he named her after the Yacht Elettra (electric waves) he bought in 1919.

She was accompanied for the visit by her son Prince Guglielmo Giovanelli Marconi, who is curator of his grandfather's archives.

The princess unveiled a plaque at the building, which is the result of a £15million investment and houses the faculty of science and technology as well as arts, law and social sciences.

She unveiled the plaque in the presence of academics and invited guests and was taken on a guided tour of the building.

Delighted with the presence of Princess Marconi at the official launch, vice chancellor professor Michael Thorne said: “This is just the most perfect day for everyone at Anglia Ruskin University, who has been involved in the construction, development and use of this fabulous building.

“We are all proud of the stunning heritage of the Marconi family in Chelmsford and feel incredibly honoured to have Princess Marconi here.

“Princess Marconi’s father was a man who devoted his life to trying to improve the lives of those around him. He was just eight-years-old when he knew he wanted to make a difference – and what a difference he made.

“We hope the new Marconi building will help deliver increasing numbers of forward-thinking, work-ready graduates who will one day have the potential to emulate his success.”