The City of Wolverhampton Council has announced the commencement of steel framework erection for a new college campus, as part of Phase Two City Learning Quarter masterplan.
The £61m ($77.72m) masterplan, bolstered by Government funding, is set to improve facilities for Adult Education Wolverhampton and the Central Library.
It is intended to provide new educational opportunities to boost skills and employment in the city and surrounding areas.
The latest project, which is located around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, is repurposing the site of the former Faces nightclub.
It is also integrating the existing Metro One building of City of Wolverhampton College.
Contractor McLaughlin & Harvey has completed the initial stages of strip-out, demolition, ground preparation, and piling works, laying the foundations for the new campus.
The campus is expected to open for the 2025/26 academic year.
City of Wolverhampton College principal and CEO Mal Cowgill said: “Installation of the first steels is a significant milestone in the construction of the new campus and great news for the city, the college and the hundreds of students, apprentices, staff, employers and local people who will benefit from its first-class training facilities for many years to come.
“We are extremely grateful for the support of the council and other partners in the development of the new campus and are looking forward to seeing the building take shape and the long-held vision finally becoming a reality.”
Earlier this month, Speller Metcalfe secured the pre-construction contract for further improvements, including work on the Alan Garner Centre and the Grade II listed Central Library.
In addition, progress continues on the first phase of the masterplan, with the construction of an £8.1m Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college's Wellington Road campus.
Slated for completion in July 2024 by Speller Metcalfe, this phase is supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority and the former Black Country LEP.
The City Learning Quarter initiative has been propelled by initial council investments and further funding from various sources.
These comprise £5m from the Towns Fund, £22m from the Levelling Up Fund, £22m from the Department for Education, and additional government grants and contributions.
This development will enable City of Wolverhampton College to relocate from its outdated Paget Road site, earmarked for housing.
