Posted: 05/09/11
West Notts College is changing…
West Nottinghamshire College is entering an “exciting new era” – by unveiling its latest building and a dynamic new visual identity.
‘Create’ – the college’s £5 million creative arts centre – opened its doors to students today (Monday 5 September 2011).
It provides media, music and performance students with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment including:
- workshop and rehearsal space
- television, radio and digital recording studios
- multi-media, animation and video editing suites
- commercial software training centre
- performing arts and dance studios
- 150-seat performance theatre.
As well as being an inspirational learning environment for more than 200 students, the college wants the building to become a focal point for local musicians, performers and touring companies, who will be urged to use its recording studios, rehearsal space and performance theatre.
Create is the first phase of a £24 million plan to transform the Derby Road campus with new buildings and facilities. College chiefs announced the multi-million pound proposals earlier this year, hailing them a “once-in-a-generation” investment in education and skills.
The ambitious redevelopment, which is subject to planning consent, includes a landmark new building providing 4,000 sqm of additional teaching and learning space, plus hair and beauty salons, a health spa and fine-dining restaurant for training and commercial use.
A six-court multi-use sports hall boasting a sports science lab, spectator area and modern changing facilities will replace the college’s aging gymnasium, while the existing three-storey block will be converted into additional teaching space.
Work to build the sports hall and extend student and visitor car parking is due to start in November after these elements of the scheme were approved by Mansfield District Council’s planning committee last week (31 August).
Now, to capitalise on this investment in buildings and facilities – and reflect its major growth in recent years – the college has unveiled a new corporate identity.
The college is now known as ‘Vision West Notts’, as part of changes being phased in over the next 12 months.
Principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE said: “Create is an absolutely stunning building that provides our media, music and performance students with some of the best facilities in the country.
“As well as inspiring learners to achieve their potential, it promises to further boost our growing reputation in the creative industries and be a resource that our communities can be proud of.
“But this is only the start. Our ambitions are to bring more world-class buildings and facilities to the area and give students and employers unrivalled education, training and learning opportunities. Mansfield and Ashfield deserve nothing less.”
This, said Mrs Khemka, made it the “ideal time” for the college to re-brand and establish a new identity. As part of this, the college has worked with staff to develop an organisational culture based on a commitment to giving all customers a first-class experience.
“Our accommodation developments mark an exciting new era in the college’s history and we need to ensure our brand and identity reflects the college we’ve become,” said Mrs Khemka.
“We’re proud to be a local college and proud of our role in the communities we serve. However, we’re also a national training provider, a major business in our own right and we run successful companies such as Vision Apprentices.
“It’s vital that our image, and people’s perception of the college, truly represents who we are and is fit for the future.
“Vision West Notts reflects the diverse and successful organisation we’ve become and projects a consistent image to our students, staff and customers. But more than this, it’s a philosophy that touches every aspect of the organisation.
“Our investment in new buildings and facilities means now is the ideal time to cement a new visual identity and organisational culture,” said Mrs Khemka.
