Ground-breaking takes place at new Construction and Engineering Centre

Students and staff from Scarborough TEC were joined by representatives from Houlton and Jefferson Sheard Architects for the official ground-breaking ceremony in preparation for the build of the new multi-million pound Construction and Engineering Centre, part-funded by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership, at the college’s Filey Road Campus.

The development will see the building of a dedicated Engineering & Construction centre for the relocationof the existing Lady Edith Drive facilities, which includes vocational courses in Engineering and Construction, to join the extensive provision already offered from the Filey Road Campus. This process will enhance the quality and provision the college offers with planned completion by late 2018.

Ann Hardy, Principal of Scarborough TEC, officially cut the turf with Paul Dickerson, Joint Managing Director of Houlton, the company contracted to undertake the building works.

Ann said: “This is another momentous occasion in Scarborough TEC’s history. It has always been our aim to consolidate all of our provision onto one site and, once the works are completed, this means that all of our courses will be delivered from one, centrally-located campus at Filey Road.

“Our vision for Scarborough TEC to be a leading education and training provider in our region saw us relocate the majority of our services last September and this is the exciting next step in our journey.”

Paul Dickerson added: “Houlton have been building in the region since 1879. We are acutely aware of growing skills gap in our sector, which is why we are so pleased to be working on this project which will help facilitate the next generation of trades people.”

The design incorporates specialist vocational spaces for Engineering & Construction provision with additional facilities for flexible learning, encompassing practical and theory within designed spaces. The building is proposed to include;

• Electrical workshop
• Engineering workshop
• Fabrication & welding workshop
• Plumbing workshop
• Brickwork workshop
• Joinery workshop
• Joinery Machine Workshop
• Motor Vehicle Workshop
• Internal Material Store
• Ventilated Material Store
• Plant Room

Director of Jefferson Sheard Architects, Mike Hall, one of the team behind the design of the building, also attended the ceremony. Mike said: “We are delighted to have worked in collaboration with Scarborough TEC and the design team to produce an innovative design response to fully meet the client’s requirements.

“The new construction and engineering centre delivers a state-of-the-art vocational learning environment, enabling Scarborough TEC to strengthen and enhance the learner experience.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about these courses can simply visit scarboroughTEC.ac.uk, email [email protected] or call (01723) 372105.