Posted: 07/02/12
Building for the future
A £24m redevelopment of Vision West Notts has entered a landmark phase, with a major expansion of the Derby Road campus under way.
Demolition of the college’s ageing sports hall started this week. It will make way for a new teaching block boasting 4,000 sq. m of learning space including modern classrooms, ITC suites, hair and beauty salons, a specialist health spa, and fine-dining restaurant with training kitchen.
College chiefs say the £11m building will provide students with an “inspirational” learning environment when it opens its doors in January 2013. The facilities will be available to the public – giving students vital work experience and a springboard into employment or higher education, while providing the college with increased commercial opportunities.
Other works involve enclosing an outdoor courtyard with a part-glazed roof to provide additional learning and social space.
The scheme is being funded by the college, aided by £1.9 million from the Skills Funding Agency’s enhanced renewal grant – a national pot to help colleges modernise their buildings and facilities.
The Nottingham arm of Mansell Construction Services has been appointed as the scheme’s contractor.
Mrs Khemka said: “Construction of this inspirational building represents a major investment by the college and is the cornerstone of our multi-million pound redevelopment.
“Not only will it offer our students unrivalled vocational learning opportunities, the public can look forward to enjoying the facilities that will train the hairstylists, beauticians, holistic therapists and chefs of tomorrow.
“In bringing this highly-anticipated scheme to fruition our contractors will minimise disruption to students, staff and the local community so that it remains business as usual at college.”
The ambitious redevelopment forms plans by the college to bring as much teaching and learning as possible onto its main campus.
Meanwhile, construction of a state-of-the-art new sports hall, to replace the one being demolished, is gaining pace. The building, which will boast six badminton-sized courts, a sports science laboratory, spectator seating and modern changing facilities, is due for completion in May.
Future plans include converting an existing three-storey block into more teaching space and re-cladding the six-storey tower and other buildings to rejuvenate the visual appearance of the campus.
