Petroc, one of Devon’s leading colleges, is currently undertaking a series of works designed to improve facilities.
The ten-year scheme – which is being funded by the Government’s Enhanced Renewal Grant (ERG) – continues to make good progress at Petroc’s Barnstaple site with a number of redevelopment works already complete.
Civil and structural engineering specialist, Atkins is the main contractor appointed to the project. As the UK’s largest engineering design consultancy, Atkins has extensive experience in the education sector having previously completed projects for City College Plymouth, Lowestoft College and Budmouth Technology College.
Discussing the scheme, Director for Resources, Neil Hookway, said:
“These projects are all about supporting the delivery of excellent teaching and learning by improving the performance and efficiency of our campus for the benefit of our current and future students.”
Work began on the site in late 2012 with the creation of a state-of-the-art Spa and Sports Therapies Suite. This aspect of the site’s transformation was swiftly followed in January 2013 with the redevelopment of the college’s C Block, which was implemented to enhance the building’s performance.
During the works on C Block, classrooms were updated and the external appearance of the building was radically transformed to present a much more modern and aesthetically pleasing facility. A number of energy saving practices were used on the project, including the installation of new windows and the addition of a new insulating layer to improve the block’s energy performance.
Petroc is also working with the Education Funding Agency, and in March 2013 work was completed on the new supported learning facility which is now being used by students with learning difficulties and disabilities (SLDD). The new facility teaches students vital life and employability skills in bespoke, advanced learning spaces.
Commenting on the new supported learning facility, Head of the School of Health, Fitness and Supported Learning, Kevin Hazell, said:
“The new facility enables us to build on the highly regarded supported learning provision we already have here at Petroc. Our aim is to give students the best possible start in life, to fulfil their full potential after they leave college.”
In total, approximately 5,000 m² of classrooms and internal space are to be remodelled during the decade-long scheme, with new IT and teaching equipment installed. Disruption is being kept to a minimum throughout the course of the project.
For more information on Petroc, please visit: www.petroc.ac.uk.
