Work is now well underway on the multimillion pound FutureSkills Centre, located in the vibrant heart of MediaCityUK, Salford Quays.
When complete the £6million state of the art education complex will provide higher education and a range of industry specific courses for school leavers and adult learners across the region. The centre will form part of Salford City College which already consists of four outstanding Sixth Form Centres and the well-established Trinity Business Training Centre.
Speaking about the new development, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Graham Pennington said:
“It is extremely exciting for the college to be in a position to be able to expand our estate in such a difficult economic environment which will ultimately enable more people to learn in their chosen sector and for us to deliver the needs of local businesses.
“We envision the centre as an inspirational and creative centre which will raise students’ aspirations and help them achieve success in these tough industries.”
Opening in time for the next intake of students in September, the centre will offer courses in hospitality and catering, creative media, music and also a Young Professionals Finance Academy aimed at school leavers will be created. For adult learners the centre will offer business and management, higher education and a range of industry specific courses.
All these courses will be facilitated by the finest modern facilities and will have strong links with industry-based learning, meaning students will be provided with lots of exciting opportunities to work at an industry-level standard in a professional setting. When asked about the relationship with local industry, a spokesperson from the college added:
“To be affiliated with industry leaders such as Apple, Roland, Damson and MediaCityUK is an excellent achievement and is also an indication as to how important these leaders view FutureSkills. We are extremely excited about being in a position to open a brand new centre that will offer completely new and diverse programmes of study.”
As for the construction works on site they have consisted of the erection of a steel framed building with ground supported concrete slab and composite concrete slab at first floor level.
Core walls are constructed in blockwork, with other internal non loadbearing walls constructed using metal stud partitioning and plasterboard to each side. Roof construction over the original building is a twin skin profiled insulated metal deck and the new two storey extension has a single ply membrane over an insulated ply deck. The single storey roof has paving on insulation on a Bauder waterproofing system on a concrete deck.
Works on the reception, teaching classrooms, informal learning areas, lecture theatre, audio visual suite (recording rooms, rehearsal rooms, Mac suite, performance area), office and administration suite were completed in February. Whilst work on the main kitchen and cafe area were completed in late April.
FRW Northwest ltd manufactured and installed the bespoke reception desk for the centre, speaking about their involvement with the project, Director, Frank Wardle said: “It’s very important for us to be involved on a high profile project such as this. We are also very happy to work alongside Aspect Construction who are a very important partner.”
The main contractors were Aspect Construction whilst the architects were Cartwright and Gross.
