Bouygues UK and Stanmore College recently celebrated the commencement of construction for the new college with a well-attended ground-breaking ceremony.
The event was graced by notable attendees such as the Mayor of Harrow, Salim Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the London Borough of Harrow, Marilyn Ashton, and Councillor Zak Wagman. Representatives from Harrow Council and the Department for Education also marked their presence, underscoring the importance of this transformative project.
Bouygues UK has been selected by the Department for Education (DfE) to carry out the construction of the new Stanmore College as part of the CF21 Framework. The initiative, financed by the DfE’s Further Education Improvement Programme, entails the redevelopment of the current college site, which includes replacing four obsolete structures with four modern buildings. The construction is anticipated to be finalised by the summer of 2027.
Bouygues UK has established a reputation for creating high-quality, sustainable, and motivational educational settings. By employing its standardised ‘kit of parts’ approach to construction, the company strives to incorporate net-zero principles, thereby guaranteeing flexibility, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, minimal maintenance, and fixed pricing and scheduling.
In line with their dedication to the educational sector, Bouygues UK is set to welcome its inaugural group of T Level students for internships in Design Surveying and Planning. These internships, created in partnership with the social enterprise Class Of Your Own, are integrated into the acclaimed “Design Engineer Construct!” learning programme, which provides aspiring professionals with hands-on experience in innovative projects.
Phillippa Prongué, Managing Director for London and the South East at Bouygues UK, expressed her enthusiasm for the project in her welcome speech: “We’re excited to reach this milestone and be part of this important project for the DfE. The new facility will transform the campus and provide a great learning environment for future students. Our approach will ensure that the build is both sustainable and adaptable, meeting the educational needs of today while being mindful of future demands. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the local community.”
Stanmore College Principal, Annette Cast, also shared her vision: “Stanmore College will provide a state-of-the-art inclusive learning campus in the heart of the Stanmore community that will ensure all local people can benefit from the best possible education and training to enable them to achieve the best employability skills.
The College will be an educational hub providing a unique educational destination for local people to acquire the relevant skills, training and education to support them to access and build their career ambitions.
The learning campus will be a flexible and accessible place where staff, students, employers and stake holders can gather, interrogate, learn, gain skills and progress as well as become a lifetime member of an inclusive learning community.”
The Mayor of Harrow Salim Chowdhury stated that: “Stanmore College has always been a cornerstone in the community. Redevelopment will enhance in that role and will finally place the College in the heart of Stanmore and beyond.”
The groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the journey towards creating a cutting-edge educational environment at Stanmore College, underscoring the collaborative efforts and shared commitment of all stakeholders involved.
(Image credit: Jestico Whiles)