A MAJOR project to bring state-of-the-art facilities to Yeovil College has broken ground.

The £60+ million campus transformation promises to offer “unparalleled education experiences” and will see the creation of a cutting-edge sports centre, a technical construction centre, a modern teaching centre as well as a host of commercial outlets such as reenvisaged salons and restaurants.

The project, known as the ‘Big Build’ is being funded by the Department for Education after the college was selected as one of 16 colleges across the UK to receive a share of the £1.5bn Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.

Plans were approved for the ambitious project in August 2023 – with completion expected in four year’s time.

As part of the plans to create the state-of-the-art construction centre, teaching block and sports centre, the older Kingston Building, Bridge Block and Sports Hall will be knocked down.

Spread across the multi-level site, the new Yeovil College plans also include a spacious new refectory, versatile lecture hall and performance spaces, and an inclusive learning department.

The flagship teaching centre, an L shaped building which will exceed 10,000m², will be the academic heart of the new campus and will comprise of 100 new classrooms.

“Whether students are attending lectures, participating in group projects, or simply enjoying a coffee break, this building aims to elevate their campus experience and promises to be a hub of activity, fostering collaboration, creativity, and community,” a spokesperson for Yeovil College said.

Also embedded within the main teaching building, will be the Yeovil College University Centre, offering a dedicated and focused space for those advancing to higher education.

Mark Bolton, principal and CEO of Yeovil College, and Adam Dance MP at the groundbreaking event Picture: Yeovil College

The college said the technical construction area will address skills gap in the construction industry with a variety of workshops housing the latest technology and machinery to provide students with hands-on experience.

The sports centre will be equipped with advanced training equipment, a cutting-edge gym as well as versatile fields and pitches.

Mark Bolton, CEO & principal at Yeovil College, said the investment provides a once in a lifetime opportunity and can be transformational for Yeovil.

“It will accelerate and widen the impact of our work, in our mission to create life-changing opportunities,” he said.

“This is the last and largest piece of our campus renewal jigsaw, the culmination of years of hard work following the refurbishment and refit of almost every other building and space at our Yeovil site.”

He added: “We anticipate that the increased numbers of full and part time learners and apprentices will continue, further increasing our ability to provide life-changing opportunities and careers for our learners.

“From our work with our business community, we know that the number of degree apprentices and other university-level students will continue to grow strongly, supporting local industry to succeed with amazing people, providing the higher skills and knowledge that underpin both success and prosperity.”

Tim Chell, regional director at the main contractor of the project BAM, said: “We’re proud to support Yeovil College and the Department for Education on this transformative project, which will benefit both current and future learners.

“Over the next four years, we’ll generate more than £15m in local social economic value by creating local jobs, apprenticeships, and providing supported learning experiences for students, all while working closely with local businesses and the wider community.

“We will maximise the positive impact of this project, helping to drive growth and prosperity in Yeovil and beyond.”

Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “Leonardo welcomes the news that Yeovil College has secured the ‘Big Build’ investment for its campus.

“Investing in the redevelopment of the college will not only enhance the educational experience for the students, who include many Leonardo trainees, it will also serve as a cornerstone for economic growth and the development of future skills within our community.

“Future skills are critical to Leonardo, as they will enrich our onshore helicopter manufacturing capability for the development of tomorrow’s aerospace technologies.”