Work underway on multi-million pound north east college

Construction work has begun on a new steel-framed vocational campus in the heart of Sunderland.

Once complete in 2016 Sunderland College’s new City Campus will accommodate up to 2,000 students and more than 120 staff.

Covering approximately 12,500m², the state-of-the-art building will house vocational courses, transferred from its out-of-town Hylton Campus, including advanced engineering, manufacturing, construction trades, automotive trades, travel and tourism, and catering and hospitality.

The well-equipped campus will also feature a manufacturing and engineering facility; hair, beauty and barbering facilities; a spa; a bakery; a travel agency; restaurant and a car repair service, all of which will be accessible to the public.

BAM Construction was appointed by Sunderland College in November to build the new flagship campus and completion is set for Spring 2016. Steelwork is being fabricated, supplied and erected by locally-based Harry Marsh [Engineers].

Funding for the high-tech campus is coming from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), Sunderland City Council and college reserves, and land has been secured from Homes and Communities Agency who have worked with all the partners to ensure delivery of the new campus.

Julie Elliott MP said: “I am delighted to be involved in marking this significant milestone for Sunderland College’s new City Campus. This project will play a vital role in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre and will help to boost the local economy by welcoming thousands of students into the heart of Sunderland.