New Construction Centre
Oaklands College

R G Carter were awarded the project to develop a new and modern state-of-the-art Construction Centre for the College following a two-stage tender process, through the Crown Commercial Services Construction Framework. This project was the third phase of the College’s redevelopment programme.

Prior to commencing works on-site, the College arranged for the demolition of a small out-building to make way for the new facility.

The scope of works included a 3,100sqm two storey steel framed teaching block, including construction areas, workshops, staff spaces, breakout and teaching spaces. The external works, site wide drainage and infrastructure upgrades were included within the scope of the project. The works were completed whilst the College remained live and operational.

This new Construction Centre is the newest in the UK for teaching construction trades, and aims to improve the student experience and enhance the quality of training and skills available. The centre includes practical learning workshops for plumbing, electrical, and renewable installation trades, a construction lab, a VR learning suite, and IT classrooms.

Since its opening, Oaklands College has been selected as one of only six colleges nationwide to partner with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Home Builders Federation (HBF) in their ‘Partner a College’ project. This initiative will see Oaklands College students attached to housebuilders in the southeast area, providing a vital learning platform for the next generation.