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18/06/2007 - construction begins on derby college extension

Plans for a Derby College extension have been approved and work is due to start on the extension later this month. The plans to expand the size of the Joseph Wright Centre were announced following the educational centre’s success since it opened in September 2005, and will provide an additional 1500 square metres of teaching and social space.

Derby-based construction contractor Tomlinsons will undertake the development work on the new extension, which will be at the rear of the current site, and will include an improved and extended learning resources area. The extension will open early in 2008 and over the summer there will also be two additional science laboratories installed in the original building to cater for the rise in demand for science courses.

The extension is being funded by a significant contribution from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) who approved the College’s capital bid last year. This will also fund other improvements including the College’s plans to develop Derby’s historic Roundhouse as its flagship site. The College will find out later this month if these plans are to go ahead when they submit a bid for the final stage of funding.

Peter Brammall, Area Director Learning and Skills Council Derbyshire, says: “As part of the College’s overall capital improvement programme, this extension supports the development of ‘state of the art’ facilities across its Derby campuses, meaning that more young people can gain the skills and qualifications they need in an environment of the highest quality.”

Head of The Joseph Wright Centre, Jay Trivedy, is looking forward to welcoming students to their improved learning home: “The Joseph Wright Centre extension will further enhance the facilities that students are currently enjoying, ultimately enriching the students’ College experience.”

The extension has been designed by the centre’s original architects, Maber Associates. Keith Hayday says: “We are very pleased that the Joseph Wright Centre continues to attract students and we are confident that the extension will significantly enhance the accommodation on the site. We are also encouraged that Derby College continue to commission innovative, high quality buildings and we hope to continue our relationship with them in the years to come.”

Derby’s long established construction company G F Tomlinson Building Limited are the main contractors for the project and Chairman Barry Sewards commented, ‘We are delighted to be involved in such a high profile venture within the City of Derby. The new facility will provide greater capacity together with a high quality learning environment so that more young people can attain the skills and qualification required by local industry and commerce.’

Since the Centre opened, students have thrived in the state-of-the-art learning environment and the Centre’s first set of A-level results last summer were a 6% improvement on the previous year.

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