Work starts to clear land for new state-of-the-art college
Preliminary Work has started this week to deliver the new '˜Dewsbury Learning Quarter' in the town centre.
The purpose-built facility on the old Safeway site on Bradford Road and the transformation of Pioneer House are part of Kirklees College’s ambitious plans to deliver state-of-the art education.
In partnership with Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Kirklees Council, two new centres will replace the current Dewsbury Centre and Batley School of Art, both on Halifax Road.
Workmen moved onto the old supermarket site this week to clear the land.
Kirklees College’s acting deputy principal, Melanie Brooke said: “The college is delighted to be starting work on site at the new Dewsbury Learning Quarter development.
“It’s a very exciting time for us, not only will we be able to provide further training and learning opportunities, but this development will also play a part in boosting the town’s economy in the long run.
“We have a lot of work to do, but are already looking forward to the eventual opening in 2018 of the facilities and what we hope will be the start of a new journey for staff, students, employers and the community.”
Dewsbury Learning Quarter is being funded by the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Skills Capital Fund in partnership with Kirklees Council.
It is envisaged that the Bradford Road facility will cater for 16 to 18 year-olds with specialist areas for foundation learning in construction and motor vehicle courses.
Pioneer House will be turned into a centre for apprenticeships and post-19 studies, specialising in creative and digital media and art, healthcare, business and finance. Work is expected to start there in spring 2017.