Work kicks off at Stockport College

Contractor Seddon has started the £7.1m first phase of the college’s long-awaited redevelopment programme.

Delivered for The Trafford College Group, consent was secured for the scheme in 2018. Key elements of this first phase include the construction of a new arts building within the shell of the former arts department, together with the refurbishment of Vernon Tower to provide new teaching accommodation.

Classes will continue on site for the duration of the works, with the college remaining fully operational. Work is expected to complete in July 2021.

The professional team on the project includes architect Project3, planner WSP, Planit-IE, Abacus CM, Rider Levett Bucknall, Hydrock and CBO Transport.

Overall, the college project as consented is worth around £24m. Wates was originally appointed through the North West Construction Hub, but left the project in 2019, leading the college to restart procurement.

As mapped out in the 2018 consent, features of the project include a new feature entrance and an internal street. In all, around 22,000 sq ft is to be removed in the project, and 11,000 sq ft added.

Consent has been secured this week by Investar Property Group for a £65m mixed-use scheme on part of the college site, the developer having bought the land from the college in April for an undisclosed sum.

Michelle Leslie, vice principal of corporate services at The Trafford College Group, said: “After what has been a challenging year, this project is just the boost we need to help us meet our goals for the college in 2021 and beyond, and we look forward to sharing updates with staff, students and the wider community as building progresses.”

John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon, said: “Stockport College is part of the town’s fabric, offering fantastic educational opportunities for local young people in open space that both students and visitors can enjoy.

“For both us and The Trafford College Group it was vitally important that the campus be updated to a high standard to attract new talent and create a modern, vibrant campus that would benefit all. Work is progressing well, and we look forward to completing ahead of the 2021/22 academic year.”

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