Clegg Construction’s ambitious £8.8 million project to establish a skills hub in Nottinghamshire is making significant progress as construction moves forward, with the steel frame now being erected at West Nottinghamshire College’s Chesterfield Road campus. The facility is set to be completed by next summer and will serve as a training ground for local students pursuing careers in emerging industries.
The Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange will provide 1,343 square metres of innovative teaching space, replacing the college’s former art and design building. Designed to facilitate the delivery of a variety of T-Level courses with a focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) subjects, including construction, the new hub is intended to meet the growing demands of the local labour market.
This cutting-edge facility will also create a collaborative environment for West Nottinghamshire College students and Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to engage with local employers on projects that incorporate evolving technology. This collaboration is crucial in addressing skills gaps and fostering the development of well-paid job opportunities in Mansfield and the surrounding area.
Over the past few months, Clegg Construction has cleared the site and completed the split-level groundworks, marking a vital step in the project as the structure takes shape. The original stone portico feature from the previous School of Art building, including its frieze, name stone, and cornice, has been carefully dismantled and stored, ensuring a piece of history will be integrated into the new facility as a prominent entrance feature.
The new two-storey building has been designed to adapt to the sloping site and will feature light wells to enhance natural light on the lower ground floors. Additionally, heat recovery and Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems will be incorporated to create a comfortable learning environment for students.
Darren Chapman, operations director at Clegg Construction, expressed pride in the project, stating, “We’re delighted to be working with one of the leading further education providers in the East Midlands on the construction of its Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange hub. As a Nottinghamshire-based contractor, many of our staff, including myself, are West Nottinghamshire College alumni. We understand the importance of T-Levels and Apprenticeships in paving the way for the next generation of professionals in the construction sector.”
The skills hub will be located behind the college’s sixth form building, with measures in place to ensure minimal disruption to students, staff, and visitors. Clegg Construction has implemented stringent health and safety procedures and a collaborative communication strategy to safeguard the learning environment during the construction process.
Andrew Cropley, principal and chief executive of West Nottinghamshire College, shared his excitement about the project’s progress. “I’m delighted to see the Future Tech Skills and Knowledge Exchange emerge from the ground,” he said. “It represents a growing sense of optimism and a commitment to embracing technology for a prosperous future.”
Funding for the skills hub has been secured from several sources, including £4.3 million from Mansfield District Council’s Towns Fund, £3.8 million from the Education and Skills Funding Agency, and £734,000 from the college and NTU.
Executive Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams, praised the project’s progress, noting, “The reality of our regeneration plans for education in Mansfield is coming to life. I am confident this facility will attract new employers to the area and develop industry-relevant skills.”
