City Learning Quarter News – Summer 2024 - part 2
Work has begun to erect the steel framework on a new city campus as part of the council’s transformational Phase Two City Learning Quarter masterplan. Strip-out, demolition, ground preparation and piling works have now been completed and the foundations are in place, with contractor McLaughlin & Harvey on course to deliver the new state-of-the-art facility in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year.
Alongside improved Adult Education Wolverhampton and Central Library facilities, the £61 million scheme – supported by Government funding - will establish new educational provision that enhance skills and employment outcomes for residents across the city and wider region.
Speller Metcalfe was last week awarded the pre-construction contract to carry out the remaining Phase Two improvement works on Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Alan Garner Centre on Old Hall Street and the Grade II*-listed Central Library.
Council Leader, Councillor Stephen Simkins, said: “The City Learning Quarter has been a long-held ambition of the city council and the steels being erected for the college campus building is a major step towards the creation of a vibrant education hub that will unlock future opportunities for all in the city. The new facilities will provide a vital facelift to our city centre and will be an inspirational environment for people to learn in, also offering excellent connectivity to rail, bus, tram and cycle routes. We will be delivering an environment where everyone can flourish, demonstrating the commitment we have to investing in our citizens.”
Mal Cowgill, Principal and CEO at City of Wolverhampton College, said: “Installation of the first steels is a significant milestone in the construction of the new campus and great news for the city. We are extremely grateful for the support of the council and other partners in the development of the new campus and are looking forward to seeing the building take shape and the long-held vision finally becoming a reality."
Stuart Anderson, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said: “I am immensely proud of the City Learning Quarter project. With substantial funding from the Towns Fund, the Levelling Up Fund, and the Department for Education, as well as additional support from the college and City of Wolverhampton Council, we are set to transform education in Wolverhampton. This investment will profoundly impact the future of our children and the wider community for generations to come.”
The exciting City Learning Quarter proposals were initially supported by investment from the council with further funding coming through a combination of £5 million from the Towns Fund, £22 million from the Levelling Up Fund and £22 million from the Department for Education, plus additional government grants and contributions from the college and council.
Its central location and close proximity to the new £150 million transport interchange will make it easily accessible. It will also boast environmental benefits in line with the council’s climate emergency agenda.
Image caption 1 (L-R): City Learning Quarter partners and students come together to sign the first steels for the new city centre campus – Alex Omelchuk, Turner & Townsend Project Manager, Anna Place, Adult Education Wolverhampton Deputy Head of Service, David Byrne, McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd Operations Manager, City of Wolverhampton College students Ellaika Antonius, Level 3 IT, aged 19, and Doina Surchicin, Level 1 IT, 16, Cllr Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, Peter Merry, City of Wolverhampton College Deputy Chief Executive, Ninder Johal DL, Wolverhampton City Investment Board Chair, Cllr Stephen Simkins, City of Wolverhampton Council Leader.
