A first look at what Nuneaton’s emerging further education facility will offer has been revealed
Nuneaton’s emerging further education facility is taking shape rapidly. A first look behind the construction fencing at the new multi-level structure near Abbey Street has been revealed.
The institution’s leader, Marion Plant, OBE, who serves as principal and chief executive of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, stated that the town and its residents merit such contemporary amenities. The campus aims to motivate both young people and adult learners from the borough and beyond through its state-of-the-art educational spaces.
Funding of just under £8 million was allocated back in March 2021 from the original £23 million Towns Deal allocation, now referred to as Transforming Nuneaton, to finance the new college hub.
A key outstanding matter is the formalisation of the lease agreement with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council. The principal confirmed to CoventryLive her belief that the document will be signed before interior fitting is finished.
These works are progressing as scheduled and should reach completion by August 18, in time for the new academic year.
Recruitment has commenced, and the college leader noted that participation in hospitality and catering courses, which had declined following the pandemic, has increased, with the appeal of the new campus playing a significant role in this growth.
The campus encompasses an extensive training kitchen meeting professional standards, a second kitchen adjacent to the planned bistro featuring a glass partition allowing diners to observe chefs at work on the ground level.
Additionally, a specialised patisserie kitchen operates on the first floor, equipped with a dumb waiter to transport pastries down to the bistro area.
The first floor houses custom-designed classrooms, including one dedicated to digital instruction covering artificial intelligence, alongside other spaces configurable for adult and higher education programmes.
These room configurations are replicated on the third floor, with the possibility of transferring certain creative arts programmes from the Hinckley campus to the new town centre location.
The site will carry the name Grayson Place campus, acknowledging the Grayson Place regeneration scheme it occupies. The relocated award-winning Glebegate restaurant from the Hinckley Road campus will operate under the Grayson’s restaurant branding.
The facility has been developed within a former Co-op department store, featuring newly installed windows, roof, elevated ceilings and vistas across the broader Grayson Place development.
Fine dining experiences will be available, with meals prepared by students in kitchens meeting London hotel specifications.
In addition to serving between 60 and 80 diners in the restaurant and bistro combined, the venue includes a bar and alfresco seating outside.
While construction continues, on departing the site the principal expressed enthusiasm about the coming weeks.
She stated that the fitting out stage represents another significant milestone in establishing contemporary, progressive educational provision for Nuneaton and surrounding communities.