‘Real progress’ - Construction of South Tyneside’s new £95million college is running to schedule
Bosses say that “real progress” is being made at the new South Tyneside College campus.
South Tyneside’s new £95million college is taking shape on time, bosses say – as the clock ticks towards opening time in less than a year.
They have revealed all is going to plan to welcome the first students next September - with a building team of around 150 workmen on site to ensure that happens.
In an exclusive site tour, construction firm Castle showed off progress so far on the ambitious South Shields town centre project.
‘The new building is really taking shape’
The 15,000 sqm development will replace South Tyneside College’s existing site at Westoe and will also see world-leading South Shields Marine School incorporated.
To that end, the location of the marine school’s vast sea and ports electronic ship simulator has been revealed as one the new building’s most cavernous spaces.
There are also extensive IT and music rooms, a giant refectory, lecturer staff rooms, a sizable performing arts area and a large main entrance off King Street.
‘Real progress being made’
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, chief executive of Tyne Coast College, which operates South Tyneside College and the marine school, said the scheme was going to plan.
She commented: “I’m delighted to see real progress being made and a visit to the site shows exactly the great work that is being done.
“I’ve carefully watched every stage of development, and the new building is really taking shape – it’s exciting to now be able to see the individual learning areas inside.
“The new college represents a significant investment in South Tyneside, it is something that will greatly benefit learners for years to come.
“Everyone involved in the construction project is delighted at how well it is going and the future promise it is bringing to so many people.”
The project is being funded by Tyne Coast College, the Department for Education, the North East Combined Authority, South Tyneside Council and the government.
Backers believe the campus project will see the college attract extra students, who will in turn boost the local economy and improve skills in industries across the region.
It told college bosses to improve their management of the project and ordered its watchdog, the Further Education Commissioner (FEC), to investigate.