Wates to redevelop Stockport College campus in £16m deal

Wates Construction has been appointed to carry out a £16m redevelopment of Stockport College’s Wellington Road Campus in the town centre by the newly-formed Trafford College Group.

The project will result in a new campus experience boasting a modern, connected environment through which the college can attract new students and operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Work includes the creation of a new courtyard, improved pedestrian routes and campus access, a new visitor entrance, the modernisation of existing buildings and the construction of a new business centre which will aim to build closer links with local businesses.

The redevelopment forms part of the merging of Stockport College and Trafford College, which will see both colleges retain their existing names and campus sites while growing their role as a hub for learning in their local community.

Designed by Project 3 Architects, the regenerated campus will include a striking colonnade fronting the reception and performing arts building to create a feature entrance.

Meanwhile, an impressive two-storey glazed ‘street’ will provide a light and airy walkway and relaxation area connecting the reception to the art workshops.

Wates was appointed to the project via the North West Construction Hub’s (NWCH) construction frameworks, a suite of three frameworks that facilitate the efficient procurement of public sector building works across the region.

The NWCH has enabled the delivery of 477 projects, collectively valued at £1.9bn on behalf of 212 clients since it was established in 2009.

Paul Dodsworth, business unit director, Wates Construction North West, Yorkshire and North East, said: “We have a longstanding presence in Stockport having completed the college’s construction and engineering workshops back in 2010, and more recently, building Redrock, the town’s new £45m leisure development.

“We’re therefore proud to be continuing our role in the enhancement of Stockport’s built environment with this appointment to redevelop the Wellington Road campus for Stockport College.

“We will also be using our presence to contribute to the borough’s social and economic development by channeling investment into training and employment opportunities for Stockport’s people and working with a locally-based supply chain.”

Lesley Davies, principal and chief executive, The Trafford College Group, said: “The redevelopment of the Stockport College campus will create a modern and ‘fit for purpose’ learning environment enabling the college to deliver and house outstanding teaching and learning.

“This is central to our aim of learners at the college being ahead of the competition in terms of successfully securing meaningful employment and progression to higher level study.

“The redevelopment of the campus will also help us to grow commercial and apprenticeship provision and increase revenue through the development of high value transformational relationships with employers and businesses, as well as developing our Higher Education offer, ensuring that it is recognised for its value to individuals, communities and business.”

Joanna Chomeniuk, framework lead, North West Construction Hub, added: “NWCH is delighted to work with The Trafford College group again to be able to implement the lessons learned from previous projects from education and college portfolio.

“Our aim is to support the growth of local skills to fulfill the need for the future professional abilities in the North West.

“The new facility will work as an incubator for innovation effectiveness that can support local spend and inspire future generations.”