Fire protection specialists Pyrotect have recently assisted national contractor Wates Construction on the completion of works at Nottingham College City Hub, a landmark new campus for the institution in the heart of the East Midlands city.
The new £58.5 million state-of-the-art facility will offer spaces for 2,000 students and 200 members of staff and will open in January, complementing Nottingham College’s existing campus.
The new building was constructed as part of the Major Works UK scheme which forms part of the Scape National Construction Framework in partnership with the local authority and Local Enterprise Partnership. The scheme aims to regenerate the local area and stimulate the city’s economy.
The site will include facilities to cater for Nottingham College’s performance, media and business curricula, and comes with a community hub which includes a restaurant, café and performing arts centre.
Pyrotect managing director Chris Goodison [pictured] said: “We were delighted to work with Wates Group on Nottingham College's City Hub in the heart of Nottingham. Working throughout the site, we have installed an extensive firestopping package to protect lives, assets and building structure in the event of a fire.
“We wish the students and staff the very best, and hope they using the building as much as we enjoyed being part of the wider Wates' construction team.”
Throughout the construction process, Wates itself has created numerous employment and training opportunities for local youngsters and supported Nottingham’s businesses and charitable organisations.
John Carlin, Wates Construction’s Midlands managing director commented: “This has been such a memorable project for us in large part due to the positive impact it’s left on the city’s stars of tomorrow. We’ve been proud to provide permanent jobs to four school leavers, including two graduates from Nottingham College, created 29 apprenticeships and carried out 65 educational visits, as well as delivering 18 lectures on the Built Environment at the College itself.
“Thanks to the hard work of Project Director Adam Cannon and his team we’re thrilled with the end result and can’t want to see students experience the new campus in the New Year.”
Carole Thorogood, chair of governors at Nottingham College, was thrilled with the completion of the build, adding that it would play a major part in the College’s mission to help rebuild the economy through education following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the area.
She said: “I am delighted to take possession of the City Hub on behalf of Nottingham College and I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to make this day happen in such difficult times.
“The building is spectacular both inside and out and I know that staff and students can’t wait to start using it. This is a major investment in education and skills in Nottingham by the College, the Local Enterprise Partnership and the City Council. These state-of-the-art teaching facilities will inspire generations of students and equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the needs of local, national and international employers helping them and their city to thrive.
“The full economic impact of the coronavirus is still to be felt. But education and this college will be vital to rebuilding the economy and people’s livelihoods by providing excellence in education and a route to exceptional opportunities for the city and its people.”
