New Campus Project

The College, based on a single site, comprises of the South Building, which opened in the early 1930’s, the North Building, which opened in the 1980’s, and a series of hutments.

Over the past two years, the College has developed a very ambitious, attainable estates strategy and a supporting Business Case to ensure a fully accessible College, making sure it complies with the Disability Discrimination Act and is ‘fit for purpose’.

Continual investment in the College has taken place to make sure students who are not actively mobile can access areas such as Student Services, the Refectory and the Flexible Learning Centre. However, only 27% of the teaching classrooms are fully accessible and only 35% of the overall estate is accessible to those with mobility difficulties. This means that currently a large number of students are unable to access such facilities as the Library (on the first floor), Students Common Room (on the second floor) and many specialist areas, thus restricting their experience of College life.

Following its successful submission of a full Business Case to the Scottish Funding Council, the College has been awarded, in principle, funding of £20.6m, with an up front grant of £1.3m towards the first phase of its estate strategy. This will address all access issues and as a result fully refurbish the South Building.

The design and consultation phase of the new estate is currently underway and when completed will provide ‘state of the art’ facilities for students, staff and the local community. A new entrance will be created which will ensure easy and full access; a main reception area in the courtyard leading to a comprehensive and integrated Student Services provision; the Learner Resource Centre; a Coffee Shop; and a new Refectory and shop. In addition there will be lift and stair access to all floors throughout the College, therefore allowing all users to get to all areas of the campus.

The first part of the project is due to commence in November 2008, with the main construction works commencing in April of 2009. This is due to be completed for the start of session 2010 – 2011. Future stages in the Estates Development include an International Conference and Theatre, a new and enlarged College Nursery facility and a new car park.