Excitement is building for the brand new, fit-for-purpose college campus in St Austell with the release of the first images of the incredible new buildings.
The designs are part of the proposal package created by BAM, which has been announced as the official contractor for the project.
Chief executive and principal of The Cornwall College Group (TCCG), John Evans, said everyone was delighted with the concept BAM created.
“This is absolutely massive for the St Austell community and surrounding areas and those wanting a positive, vibrant and meaningful education delivered in the most inspirational buildings in the region,” he continued.
“Our learners will benefit from the most modern and engaging college facilities in the country, with the added bonus of being one of the first carbon neutral colleges in the UK. These are incredibly exciting times for St Austell and we are thrilled to be working with BAM to make this new college a reality.”
Cornwall College St Austell was named as one of just 16 colleges in England to receive a significant investment as part of the Government’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.
The fund was first launched in September 2020 to rebuild and transform college estates and create modern spaces that meet the needs of students and the communities they serve.
“Cornwall and its people have always meant a lot to us at BAM and building a new college which is the heart of so many communities is a big responsibility,” said Tim Chell, Regional Director, BAM.
“That is why we set out not just to create a super new learning facility, but to establish a first-rate strength of understanding with our partners which drives our ability to innovate, find additional sustainability, add social value, to deliver on programme and solve problems through intelligent use of technology.
“This is also a fantastic opportunity for us to help those around us and do something special for so many people by contributing to the local community, local businesses and people to create a positive legacy, as well as an outstanding new college.”
BAM is one of the UK’s biggest education contractors, receiving the Department of Education (DfE) Supplier Recognitions Award 2022 (Main Contractors Framework Award) in recognition of its performance.
TCCG has been heavily investing in its student experiences and teaching across the Group, but the need to upgrade the facilities at St Austell has been high on the agenda for many people.
MP for St Austell, Steve Double, explained: “It’s great to see more progress on the upcoming transformation of Cornwall College’s St Austell campus, with the appointment of Bam as contractor for the project.
“The upgrading of further education facilities at the St Austell campus will ensure students receive a high-quality education, wherever they live, so they can gain the skills they need to secure the jobs and help the economy.
“This work will deliver on a significant Government investment for St Austell and the surrounding communities, something I have worked long and hard with Cornwall College and Government colleagues to realise, and I look forward to further progress towards delivery of this, in the New Year.”
The newly appointed head of campus for Cornwall College St Austell, previously from Truro & Penwith College, David Atkinson-Beaumont, said the build is going to be transformative for families and communities in the area.
“The Cornwall College Group has achieved fantastic results for learners over the years and the St Austell Campus is no exception.
“We’ve got fantastic relationships with local employers, excellent HE progression routes and a responsive curriculum designed around local and national skills requirements. This new development is just the next step on that journey.
“We’re making the outside reflect the amazing work that is taking place internally. Our staff and students will have an opportunity to tell us what’s important to them, but Cornwall College St Austell never stops growing and changing to meet the need of our community in St Austell and beyond.”
