A MAJOR £5.8million revamp of Pershore College has got underway as diggers arrived to begin demolition work.
Staff and students welcomed the diggers to the horticultural college on Monday (October 6) to start the project which will see the building of a brand new state-of-the-art glass building which will house a science and technology centre, teaching rooms and project rooms.
The new building, which will replace old and unused buildings at the Avonbank campus, will also provide a new reception area and a viewing gallery over the collections house below.
It will be linked to the college’s Grade II listed building Avonbank House.
Demolition work follows huge celebrations earlier this year when the college was approved multi-million pound funding after submitting a bid to the Skills Funding Agency so works could take place.
As reported previously, planning permission for the new centre was granted by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee at a meeting held in January with district councillor David Brotheridge labelling it a ‘modern day crystal palace’.
The new development is due to be completed by September next year with current college activities unaffected during the building works.
Tamsin Jones, Principal at Pershore College, said the start of the building work was a fantastic milestone for everyone at the college.
“Seeing the old buildings being knocked down marks the end of an era, but our students and staff are all so excited about the
new redevelopment which is going to replace them,” she said.
“This stunning new building will ensure we remain at the forefront of the horticulture industry and our students will be able to learn using the latest technology, providing them with a competitive advantage when they begin their careers in the industry.
“This will allow us to meet the skills shortages in horticulture and food production identified as a key priority for economic growth in our region.
“It was great to welcome our local partners to the demolition today to help us celebrate this milestone as they have been so supportive throughout the process.”
* PERSHORE College is hosting an open day next Saturday (October 18).
The event, taking place between 10am and 1pm, is for students of all ages at all study levels, whether leaving school or looking for an apprenticeship, part-time or higher education course.
Visitors will be able to talk to current students and tutors, go on a college tour and find out more about college life.
Pershore College students and staff celebrate as demolition work gets underway. Photo by Marcus Mingins 4114011MMR3 Order this picture online at www.buyphotos247.com
A computer generated image of what Pershore College’s new horticultural complex could look like when it opens next year. Picture courtesy of Warwickshire College.
