Plans revealed for new teaching workshops and sports facilities at Workington University Technical College
Plans to improve facilities at the Energy Coast University Technical College (UTC), located in Workington, have been submitted by Cassidy + Ashton to Allerdale Borough Council.
The Technical College, based at Lillyhall Industrial Estate, Workington, has applied for planning permission for a series of new developments to enhance its practical and recreational facilities.
The proposed plans include a 1,901sq.m single storey new build to accommodate six large-scale teaching workshops. The workshops, designed by Cassidy + Ashton, will facilitate the use of industry standard machinery and digital technology to equip students with practical skills which they can then apply within industry.
Alongside the new build, the plans include reprovision and improvement of an outdoor sports pitch and changing pavilion. This will enable the college to continue to promote, participate and succeed in a range of sports and extracurricular activities.
Eric Wright Construction has been appointed by the Department of Education as the main contractors on the project, with Preston-based Cassidy + Ashton appointed as the architectural designers and town planners.
The Energy Coast UTC Principal, Cherry Tingle, said: “The proposed expansion to our UTC facilities is a real boost for the provision of world class technical education facilities in the West Cumbria region. Gaining hands on experience in a range of technical skills and the trades associated with the energy sector is vital to prepare our students for future careers in this growing sector.
This experience, combined with the outstanding academic education students receive at the UTC, equips students with all the skills they need to progress on to a huge variety of roles locally, nationally and internationally.”
James Eager, director at Eric Wright Construction said: “We are delighted to be working collaboratively with the Department for Education, TA’s and our design team partners to enhance the facilities for the UTC staff and students on yet another construction framework project, whilst providing them with the opportunity to utilise the project for their educational needs”
Lawrence McBurney, director at Cassidy + Ashton and head architect on the project said: “We are always delighted to be part of a project that benefits the education of young people.
“Our design for the new building was developed in consultation with both the UTC and its students and aims to provide functional and inspirational teaching spaces to facilitate and promote the outstanding work and skills of its students and to help the UTC forge links with industry.
“The new workshop and sports facilities will greatly enhance the students’ vocational training, career opportunities and their success in the construction and engineering sector. Students will also be able to enjoy sporting and extracurricular activities.”
Energy Coast University Technical College is a free school delivering academic, practical and technical skills in academic subjects, construction and engineering for 14-19 year olds through a partnership between education and industry in order to meet current and growing demand from local and regional employers working in the energy sector.
The project team consists of contractors Eric Wright Construction; architects and town planners, Cassidy + Ashton; West Lancashire Group (MEP); Curtins Consulting; ReLandscape and BIG Interior Services.
On approval, construction is planned to begin in July 2021, with completion and handover targeted for the start of the academic year in September 2022.
