An artist's impression of the new Institute of Technology at Barnsley College University Centre.
The first major stage of a multi-million pound project to transform a historic Barnsley College building into a regional centre of world-class technical education has been completed – with cameras capturing the transformation.
The College’s University Centre, on Church Street in Barnsley town centre, is soon to become a state-of-the-art technology hub, housing the College’s South Yorkshire Institute of Technology (IoT) (SYIoT) subjects in engineering, construction and IT/digital.
The heart of the project is the new atrium, and a combination of learning resource and study zones set over three new mezzanine floors with a new glazed roof above and a modern café and breakout area at ground floor level.
Time-lapse footage, supplied by specialists Evercam, shows the project’s progress – starting with demolition and strip-out works, and then structural steelworks and the introduction of the staircase and mezzanine flooring completed to date.
Barnsley College Principal and Chief Executive, David Akeroyd, said: “This is an exciting time for the College and all our partners involved in the South Yorkshire IoT – as we look ahead to a future in which our hard work has led to increased opportunities for retraining and upskilling, more accessible and higher-quality jobs, and a productive workforce who are skilled in the right areas.
“It’s particularly special for us that this important IoT site will be right here in the centre of Barnsley. This is really strong proof that our College continues to go from strength to strength as an educational standard-bearer for the region.”
Originally the Barnsley Mining and Technical College, the Church Street building cost a total of £110,012 to build and furnish in 1932. The building’s historic architecture is to be retained and enhanced throughout the project.
GF Tomlinson are the main contractor for the project and construction commenced in May. Consultants AECOM are a key partner supporting the College’s Major Projects Team as lead Technical Advisers through the construction phase.
Funding for the project is a combination of Department for Education (DfE) regional investment, and College capital funds. The College was also successful with a Salix decarbonisation capital bid for sustainability upgrades throughout the building. When complete, the Church Street building will be one of the most sustainable properties on the College estate.
These extensive sustainability measures will ensure the building is developed in line with Barnsley Council’s decarbonisation plans for Zero 45.
Last updated: 19th December 2024
Originally posted on: 19th December 2024