Gloucestershire College in UK unveils plans for new education campus

Gloucestershire College in the UK has unveiled plans for a new £14m education campus development in the Forest of Dean.

Located in Cinderford’s Northern Quarter regeneration project, the 7,200m² development features three elements, which include a vocational training college, a sixth form centre, and a central hub.

The proposed independent sixth form college is being jointly developed and run by Gloucestershire College and Dene Magna School.

The sixth form impressions include the creation of learning spaces, a touchdown zone and an open plan stepped area for large groups.

Possible uses for the space would include lectures from visiting speakers, assemblies and film clubs.

The designs feature large panels of glazing to maximise the views over nearby lakes and surrounding forest while providing natural daylight inside.

Subject to planning approval, work on the new campus is expected to commence in early 2014 and will be completed by August 2015.

Royal Forest of Dean campus site principal Lynne Craig said the university’s focus is to create a new FE learning environment ‘to help learners in the Forest of Dean to reach their full potential’.

"We are working towards creating a space where teaching and learning is accessible everywhere and anywhere; the new campus will provide an inspiring place to work, learn and socialise," Craig said.

Gloucestershire College said the campus will provide a new centre for academic and vocational further education.

The Homes and Communities Agency, which is supporting the plans, is working with the college and its partners to bring forward the education-led Northern Quarter project.

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Image: Gloucestershire College’s new education campus is expected be complete by August 2015. Photo: Courtesy of Homes and Communities Agency.