Suffolk New College £63.5 million New Build Gets Green Light

Suffolk New College are today celebrating having received consent from Ipswich Borough Councils Development Control committee for the build of their new £63.5 million Further Education (FE) College.

The 22,000 sq m. new build is to be situated in Rope Walk, to the north of the existing College and will comprise of a predominately three storey building on Rope Walk, together with two storey workshops running along side the park and a four storey teaching block. A 900sq m. three storey atrium will house a learning and social space for students and staff. Once complete the new FE College will include facilities open to the general public including a top quality restaurant, hair and beauty salons and a performance theatre.

It is anticipated that work will commence in the autumn, with the first cohort of students moving in at the beginning of the 2009/10 academic year.

Outline permission for a four court sports hall was also given. The sports hall which although in a separate building, will form part of the college development and will be available during the evenings and weekends for community use.

College Principal, Professor Dave Müller, said, “New buildings and facilities for Suffolk New College are needed to meet increasing demand for vocational education and training and the continuing growth in 16 – 19 year olds wishing to study further education.” He went on to say, “Over the last three years full-time numbers of further education students at Suffolk New College have expanded to more than 2400, with at least 3500 students taking part-time further education qualificatory courses.”

John Norman, Director of Campus and Community Development, said “The complexities of providing space for the wide range of skills taught in College has proved challenging but the new building will include construction and engineering workshops, commercial standard training kitchens and state of the art beauty salons”. He continued “The College has worked closely with the local community to ensure the building is a welcome addition to the education quarter”.

Architect, James Flynn , said “ Sheppard Robson have worked very closely with IBC Development Control to achieve what we believe will a modern, dynamic and inclusive environment that will enable the College to attract and maintain staff and students.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

For further information please contact:

John Norman, Director of Campus & Community Development

Tel: 01473 343700

Email: johnnorman@suffolk.ac.uk

Issued by Communications