Welcome Hub set for Isle of Wight College

Main contractor Wates Group has started work on a Welcome Hub at the Isle of Wight College in Newport under the Department for Education’s £7 billion Schools Construction Framework.

The two-storey Welcome Hub will form a new entrance to the college and will accommodate purpose-built vocational teaching spaces for performing arts, hospitality, and travel and tourism.

Hospitality and the visitor economy are said to be major priorities for the Isle of Wight, and the new building will directly support these sectors. It will also feature industry-standard training kitchens, flexible hybrid learning spaces, and a training restaurant offering dining opportunities for external customers and the wider island community.

Sustainability is central to the design, with green roofs, solar energy panels, rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems integrated throughout the project. Materials from the existing site will be reused wherever possible, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Wates Regional Managing Director Mark Craig, said: “We’re proud to deliver state-of-the-art educational facilities on the Isle of Wight, reinforcing our trusted partnership with the Department for Education and our commitment to creating inspiring spaces to empower young people.

“Through this project, we’re focused on generating lasting social value, supporting local families, and building strong community relationships that endure long after the project is complete.”

The project is due to be completed in 2028.