Peterborough Regional College currently provides education and training to approximately 15,000 students annually, mainly in the 14-19 age range. Facilities are currently based in a circa 1950s building, which has been extended and refurbished to varying levels of quality over the last 40-50 years in an attempt to satisfy changing educational demands and requirements. As a result of this process, the College has become increasingly inefficient to operate and maintain, both in logistical and economic terms.
The College is seeking to replace the existing building with modern rationalised accommodation that will enable its progress to a Grade 1 College in the FE sector. FE Colleges are operating in increasingly competitive educational markets and PRC aims to develop facilities that will enable it to attract both students, and the teaching and support staff the College relies upon to operate effectively.
The 27,500m2 campus is to be developed on the existing College site in Peterborough, allowing the current College to remain open throughout the build, and be demolished upon completion of the new accommodation.
Through its links with Anglia Ruskin University the College also intend to develop a bespoke Higher Education building which will provide the platform for development of HE into Peterborough. With the neighbouring Thomas Deacon Academy, these three buildings will form a unique learning environment for Peterborough, providing high quality flexible facilities that will improve community access and help support local economic development. This vision is In line with Peterborough’s Growth Agenda. The realisation of this project would seed the growth of a dynamic new educational quarter within the City of Peterborough.
The new FE buildings allow for the provision and development of courses such as Construction, Engineering, Leadership and Management, ICT, Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Media and Performing Arts, Travel and Tourism and Hospitality curriculum that will ultimately service more students with much improved facilities and assist in raising the educational standards in Peterborough. This new facility will make PRC the focal point for education and training within Peterborough. The latest technology and resources that will be introduced into these facilities will ensure students are well prepared for work with local employers and are able to play their part in developing the local and regional economy.
Within the further education building the main reception will provide a focal point for students, visitors and members of the local community with a central ‘street’ similar to those in many academies. This street will be used for student displays, such as fashion shows, and as a performing arts space at other times. Also located close to this area will be the Catering Restaurant and Beauty Therapy Spa, both open to the public to showcase the training provided by the College. Also within the reception area the Information and Advice Centre will offer a one-stop-shop for all enquiries for courses, help or advice.
Progressing through from the main entrance, curriculum 'specialisms' will be located within designated zones. Each curriculum zone will contain specialist resources and workshops and will be supported by the College Learning Centre. The Learning Centre will be the focal point for all students at the College and will contain teaching and learning resources, books periodicals, DVDs together with IT resources.
Flexibility has become a buzz word for most modern buildings, but PRC’s objectives look more towards adaptability. This is a subtle difference, but focuses on the College’s desire to have a building where the major structure can be altered or extended, rather than simply shifting of internal walls and layouts.
Such in-built adaptability is aimed at minimising whole life costs of operating the building and accommodating likely changes in curriculum and technology.
