Site earmarked for new £10m UTC

A new £10m University Technical College (UTC) in Doncaster will be built on the site of the former Council House.

Mayor Ros Jones and her Cabinet yesterday approved the decision, which will see Doncaster Council contribute the 1.5-acre site required for the UTC project. The scheme is being led by Doncaster Chamber and recently secured Government backing.

The UTC will open in September 2020 and build up to a maximum capacity of 750 students over time. It will give 13 to 18 year olds the opportunity to learn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects and gain the advanced engineering and digital design skills and qualifications needed for a 21st century workforce.

Located in the Waterdale area of Doncaster’s town centre, the UTC will see students return to the area, as Doncaster College used to be based nearby before it moved to the Hub.

Mayor Jones said: “The UTC is another important element of our Urban Centre Masterplan which is transforming Doncaster’s town centre. It will form part of our Civic and Cultural Quarter which is moving on at pace. As well as attracting more people into the centre of town, the quarter is encouraging investment, jobs and growth.

“A strong and vibrant centre has positive knock-on effects for other parts of the borough too. It is exciting to see our plans coming to fruition.”

Working closely with the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, industry partners and local employers, it will bring the curriculum to life through project based work.

Mayor  Jones, added: “The Doncaster UTC is part of our ambitious plans to transform education across the borough and help our young people find the right academic and vocational route so they make the most of their talents and gain rewarding and successful jobs.”

Dan Fell, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: “We have achieved yet another key milestone in delivering an outstanding technical school that will benefit Doncaster’s businesses and young people alike.  I am delighted that Mayor Jones has decided to make available our preferred site for Doncaster UTC.

“From day one, the UTC Project Group – which I am privileged to Chair – has been determined to locate the new learning institution on a high quality site in Doncaster’s town centre.”

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