A major milestone has been reached in the opening of a new college campus in Cornwall as keys for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and Health Skills Centre in Bodmin.
Local construction company, Fox Construction Solutions, officially handed over the keys to Truro and Penwith College’s new Ottery building ahead of the final fit out by college staff and specialist contractors in readiness for students starting their studies in September.
State-of-the-art engineering machines, modern health simulation suites and the very latest technology teaching rooms are amongst the facilities included, as well as a student refectory, large conference venue and specialist space for support services.
The £6.3 million STEM and Health Skills Centre will provide a range of qualifications for 16-18-year-olds and adults in subjects including nursing, health, engineering and IT.
The centre is being built by Truro and Penwith College with support from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which has met £3.78 million of the costs through the Government’s Getting Building Fund (GBF).
Marking the key handover were representatives from Truro and Penwith College, including principal Martin Tucker and Peter Ward, estates manager, as well as Fox Construction director Kevin Bate and Cian Spowart, director at PBWC Architects.
Tucker said: “We are thrilled mark this milestone moment in the opening of our new campus in Bodmin for students across north and east Cornwall. Working in partnership with local employers and organisations we have developed a provision that matches local skills needs and will transform the teaching of industry-relevant skills in Cornwall.”