Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver a £48.8 million net carbon zero in operation (NCZiO) campus for Wigan & Leigh College.
Appointed by the Department for Education (DfE), Willmott Dixon will create a three-storey 10,811 sqm learning centre for the more than 3,400 students at the college’s Parsons Walk Campus.
The project was procured using the DfE’s construction framework, and aims to achieve a 40 pr cent biodiversity net gain with extensive soft landscaping.
Photovoltaic solar panels are planned to be included to harness renewable energy and offset energy used on site.
It will also include:
- seminar rooms
- IT suites
- Laboratories
- New restaurant
- Florist
- Salon
Construction will follow the phased demolition of the current School of Arts Building, with the existing college building and tower blocks demolished once the project is completed.
The development is expected to finish in 2027, and will be delivered while the existing college remains fully open.
It follows recent NCZiO schools the company completed for the DfE such as Tarleton Academy in Preston and the Brian Clarke Academy in Oldham.
In July, Willmott Dixon was appointed to to build a £60 million net zero Town Centre Campus development for Bridgend College in Wales
Anna Dawe, principal and chief executive at Wigan & Leigh College, said: “This is an exciting time for the college.
“The new campus is part of the college’s future commitment to skills delivery in Wigan Borough and a major part of our net-zero strategy.”
Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “Our team of education and sustainability sector specialists will bring a wealth of experience to Wigan & Leigh College, with the 14,000 people who choose to study here every year being at the heart of everything we do.
“We share the college and the DfE’s commitment to creating a catalyst for changing lives for local people and are committed to investing in local skills and organisations, with a focus on opportunities for young and unemployed Wigan residents.
“As part of that, we will create 200 weeks of apprenticeships, support 15 T-level placements, deliver 180 weeks of work experience and engage hundreds of local students.”
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