Contractor begins work on £2.6m Cardinal Newman College scheme

Liverpool-based Crossfield Construction has begun work on a £2.6m scheme at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, to create dedicated space for students studying the new T Levels courses.

The new three-storey building, located on the corner of Princess Street and Carr Street close to the main college campus, will offer teaching and learning facilities for T Level qualifications in Education and Childcare and Digital.

Crossfield Construction is part of Crossfield Group, which has previously delivered education-sector projects at Bootle’s Hugh Baird College and the City of Liverpool College.

The Speke-based firm has committed to recruiting a degree apprentice from Cardinal Newman College, meaning that one successful candidate studying at Cardinal Newman will undertake a five-year apprenticeship with Crossfield, while also gaining a degree – the costs of which will be covered by the company.

Crossfield managing director, David Cain, said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this project which will enable students at the College to get the hands-on learning experience that the new T-Levels are designed to offer.

“Importantly, it will also provide a boost to the local area and the city’s economy.

“We have committed to drawing our supply chain from a 30-mile radius, as well as working with the college to offer a degree apprenticeship, industrial placements and mentoring initiatives – benefiting many students.”

Cardinal Newman College in Preston city centre is one of the highest-performing sixth form colleges in Lancashire.

Principal, Nick Burnham, from Cardinal Newman College said: “We are delighted to be working with Crossfield Construction and to be getting this exciting project under way.

“We think it will be a real boost for the local community and also offer a fantastic opportunity for students to study one of our T-Levels in state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities.”

T Levels are two-year courses starting from September.

They are equivalent to three A Levels and will provide students with a combination of classroom and ‘on-the-job’ experience, preparing students for work.

Crossfield Construction secured the project through the Procure Partnerships Framework.

Director of the framework, Robbie Blackhurst, said: “We are proud to support Cardinal Newman College and pleased to see Crossfield Construction demonstrating their commitment to the local economy.

“Crossfield Construction has proven success in the education sector and Procure Partnerships Framework are happy to be supporting client and contractor through project delivery. We’re looking forward to seeing the new facilities take shape.”

The consultant team appointed includes Ellis Williams Architects, AJP Consulting Engineers, quantity surveyors Appleyard and Trew and property and construction consultants Ridge and Partners.

Work on the project is due to be completed in May 2021.