Northumberland College submits plans for ‘transformational’ Ashington campus

Plans have been submitted for a “pioneering” Northumberland education hub.

Northumberland College hopes to build a campus on the eastern edge of Ashington’s Wansbeck Business Park.

Bosses say the venture will provide a “transformational” learning space that will marry skills delivery more closely to industry needs.

They say it will also act as a frontrunner in next generation education building construction, with net-zero and sustainability at its core.

Furthermore, the campus will be based upon biophilic measures, which officials say increase connectivity to the natural environment through the creation of adventure, sensory and sanctuary spaces.

A dedicated Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Construction Skills Centre will act as a hub of excellence in electrical, mechanical, robotics and automation, automotive, green transport, construction, housing, retrofit and renewable technologies.

A further building will include academic and technical facilities, with its curriculum spanning health, education and childcare, business, tourism, digital and employability.

The campus will also feature a centre for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Ellen Thinnesen, chief executive at Education Partnership North East, whose portfolio includes Northumberland College, said: “This model takes our ambitions to invest in Ashington and play into the region’s skills and net-zero arena to the next level.

“The Ashington campus will play an important role in our nation’s net-zero ambitions and the Government’s prioritisation of further education and skills aligned to the local, regional and UK economies.

“It is also about regenerative place shaping.

“Once the college is built, we will relocate thousands of students and staff from our current campus to our new facilities, significantly increasing footfall into Ashington.”

Bowmer + Kirkland has been appointed design and build contractor for the project, with Bond Bryan providing architectural support.