Green light for £10m learning centre
A new bespoke learning centre for young people and adults studying at Boston College has been given the go-ahead.
The two-storey Mayflower building will benefit from £10m of Towns Fund investment. The project is part of a wider plan to deliver a high-quality public realm which also involves redeveloping an adjacent leisure centre.
The successful planning application was supported by Marrons.
Construction work is set to begin on site in May 2023, with the centre opening to learners and members of the public in September 2024.
The 1,940 sq m facility will provide further education training facilities alongside public access spaces including a café, restaurant and hair and beauty salon. Exhibition and events spaces, a digital hub, business incubation units for local start-up companies, conference facilities and meeting rooms are also included in the proposals.
The new centre will be managed by the college and staffed by students.
The existing Ingelow Centre – previously a care home – will be demolished to make way for the building before moving into a newly-refurbished building based on the college’s main Rochford Campus.
Claire Foster, Boston College principal and CEO said: “We are thrilled that planning permission for the iconic Mayflower, the flagship project of Boston’s Town Deal fund, has been granted. The state-of-the-art facility will provide a shining beacon of aspiration for higher level and adult education at a time when our town needs it most.”
Jacqueline Jackson, planning director at Marrons, said: “The unique Mayflower building will provide facilities not currently available within Boston, enabling businesses and learners to connect, create and innovate together, and acting as a catalyst to drive forward significant economic growth.
“It is great that were able to deliver permission promptly to enable the development to progress quickly, especially because the multi-functioning space will make a big difference to the everyday life of the local community.”
“We look forward to seeing it complete and the high-quality facility welcoming students and businesses alike”, Jackson added.
Neil Kempster, chair of Boston Town Deal, said: “It is fantastic news that planning consent has been granted for the Mayflower. This is a significant step towards creating a new, inspirational centre for learning in Boston.”
