New aeronautical training facility set for lift-off as planning permission granted

Leicester College has received planning permission to build an aeronautical and advanced technological education and training facility at its Abbey Park Campus in the city.

The new facility will enable the College to deliver Level 4 and 5 technical skills programmes. The build is due for completion by May 2025.

Leicester City Council has approved the design of the two-storey building, which will house industry-standard aeronautical and space specialist equipment and machinery, including wind tunnels, turbo jet trainers and flight simulators. The new facility will be used to support and inspire the next generation of aviation and space engineering professionals.

The new 8,600 sq ft building will house workshop, propulsion, aerodynamic, avionic and instrumentation laboratories and collaborative working spaces.

The new aeronautical skills centre is funded by money secured via a successful grant application to the Office for Students.

It is predicted that England will need more than 10,000 additional aerospace engineers by 2033.

Verity Hancock, principal and CEO of Leicester College, said: “When completed, the site will house industry-standard aeronautical equipment in a learning environment that will inspire the next generation of aviation and engineering professionals.”