Launch of new Chester campus at West Cheshire College

Mar 24 2011 Chester Chronicle

Launch of new Chester campus at West Cheshire College

A NEW science and technology campus is cause for celebration at West Cheshire College.

As the first phase of the college’s £65 million Building a Difference project, the new state-of-the-art, 6,700 sq metre campus will provide young people and adults across the region with one of the best vocational facilities in the UK.

Principal Sara Mogel said: “The opening of our new Chester campus to students is the first phase of the re-launch of West Cheshire College.

“This is the culmination of over six years’ hard work and will enable us to deliver vocational education and training in a unique way.

“For the first time we will actually have the resources our students and staff deserve. It is very exciting, but it is also very hard work.”

The new campus features a Project Court which is a workspace for large-scale construction projects replicating a real working environment.

Staff and students will benefit from 200 new computers, 160 new laptops, 100% wireless coverage, advanced science laboratories, electronics and robotics facilities, a forensics investigation area, painting and decorating bays, and motor vehicle workshops.

Mark Whitby, manager of science and technologies at the college, added: “The way the project has been designed allows us to significantly meet employer demands and facilitate them in a way we couldn’t before. Now, they will be able to use our facilities to positively enhance their businesses.

“Within the community there has been a definite buzz about the project as it’s new, it’s different and it’s doing things in a way that very few vocational colleges will be able to do.

“With so many sixth forms in the area it’s great to be able to show the community that we are West Cheshire College, we evolve with the times and we can offer our students a range of different options.”

The new Chester campus was built by BAM Construct UK. Phase 2 of the campus will now follow which will involve the demolition of old buildings and external landscaping.

The new Ellesmere Port campus, also built by BAM, will specialise in creative and service industries and will open September 2011.