Gloucestershire College has selected Beard Construction as the building contractor for the £5m ($6.05m) sustainable construction centre project at Cheltenham Campus in Cheltenham, UK.

This 7,000ft² sustainable construction training facility is hoped to train 164 students weekly across the various disciplines of construction.

Once completed, the facility is set to hold 21 electrical bays and 13 plumbing bays, as well as 21 bays for brickwork and carpentry, and four classrooms.

The site will be important in supporting the region’s growing need for qualified construction workers, estimated to reach 6,400 yearly by 2025, and is also in line with the industry’s gradual transition to net-zero carbon technologies.

Construction work is set to begin this month, with an aim for minimum disruption to college activities, according to Beard.

Gloucestershire College principal Matthew Burgess said: “Our selection of Beard Construction is rooted in its exceptional reputation and demonstrated commitment to sustainable and high-quality builds.

“We sought a partner who shares our vision of preparing the talent of tomorrow for the evolving construction landscape.”

The project is being supported by £70,000 from the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund and approximately £4m from its Post-16 capacity fund.

Beard director Jamie Harwood said: “Gloucestershire College has an exciting vision to not only increase routes into the industry but ensure new recruits are skilled to meet the challenges and opportunities of sustainability.

"These principles are key drivers for us at Beard and we are delighted to be working with the college as its chosen contractor.”