YEOVIL College has announced today (October 25) its transformative £60+ million campus redevelopment project, funded by the Department of Education. 

This historic investment marks a significant milestone in further education for Somerset and North and West Devon.

In November 2020, the Department of Education announced that Yeovil College was selected as one of sixteen UK-wide colleges to gain a share of the £1.5bn Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.

Yeovil College was subsequently granted planning permission by Somerset County Council for the ambitious development in August 2023.

The scope of the project, known as the “Yeovil College big build” comprises the demolition and replacement of the older Kingston Building, Bridge Block and Sports Hall, allowing for the construction of three impressive, modern buildings – a new teaching block, refectory, lecture hall, performance spaces, construction technical and specialist centre and an institute of sport centre.

The footprint of the newly developed site will comprise approximately 12,500 m2 Gross Internal Area (GIA) of new build development, replacing 8813m2 of demolished buildings.

This will result in an overall increase in campus building GIA from 18,000 m2 to 21,687m2.

The additional space will provide teaching and learning environments to accommodate the dramatic and fast growth Yeovil College has enjoyed over the past several years - where it has experienced almost a £9 million increase in financial turnover, taking the College’s position to a turnover of over £21 million.

A spokesperson for Yeovil College said: “We are proud to announce the launch of the college’s brand-new campus transformation, featuring state-of-the-art facilities that promise to offer unparalleled educational experiences to students across the region.”

The £60+ million investment awarded by the Department for Education, and collaborating with BAM as the main contractor, has culminated in the creation of:

Flagship Teaching Centre

The Teaching Centre is the academic heart of the new campus, and the main element of the new ‘Big Build’.

Replacing the existing Kingston and Bridge Building, both of which exceed 60 years of existence, the new ‘L- shaped’ building will exceed 10,000m² of accommodation.

With almost 100 new classrooms to offer, this space will include social and study areas, and cutting-edge technology. Whether students are attending lectures, participating in group projects, or simply enjoying a coffee break, this building aims to “elevate their campus experience and be a hub of activity”.

The Yeovil Institute of Sport

The contemporary Sports Centre will be equipped with advanced training equipment, a cutting-edge gym and fields and pitches.

It aims to stand as one of the most “stunning and sophisticated college sports centres in the region”.

Technical Construction Centre

Addressing the critical skills gap in the construction industry, the Construction Centre is set to become a beacon of vocational construction training, adding a further 1,700m² of construction specialist and technical training to the campus.

With workshops housing the latest technology and machinery, students will receive hands-on experience, preparing them for future careers in construction, fire, security and electrical.

The new centre compliments the Construction Skills Centre, which was opened in January 2024 on the Yeovil College site.

The extended facilities will accommodate the 100% of growth within Construction apprentices and full-time leaners, who are all developing their careers in the industry.

A spokesperson for Yeovil College said: “These facilities have each been meticulously designed to nurture local talent, skills, and innovation, addressing the diverse needs of the community and enhancing employment opportunities in the region.”

Mark Bolton, CEO & Principal, said: “The investment and campus transition that will now begin and conclude over the next three years is a once in a lifetime opportunity and can be transformational for our town. It will accelerate and widen the impact of our work, in our mission to create life-changing opportunities.

“This is the last and largest piece of our campus renewal jigsaw, the culmination of years of hard work following the refurbishment and refit of almost every other building and space at our Yeovil site.”

The planned buildings will positively impact the community of not only Yeovil, but of South Somerset and North and West Dorset, providing advanced facilities, resources, and spaces for the regions.

Mr Bolton added: “We anticipate that the increased numbers of full and part time learners and apprentices will continue, further increasing our ability to provide life-changing opportunities and careers for all our learners.

Tim Chell, regional director at BAM, said: "We’re proud to support Yeovil College and the Department for Education on this transformative project, which will benefit both current and future learners.

“Over the next four years, we’ll generate more than £15m in local social economic value by creating local jobs, apprenticeships, and providing supported learning experiences for students, all while working closely with local businesses and the wider community.

“We will maximise the positive impact of this project, helping to drive growth and prosperity in Yeovil and beyond."

Adam Clarke, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “Leonardo welcomes the news that Yeovil College has secured the ‘Big Build’ investment for its campus.

“Investing in the redevelopment of the College will not only enhance the educational experience for the students, who include many Leonardo trainees, it will also serve as a cornerstone for economic growth and the development of future skills within our community. Future skills are critical to Leonardo, as they will enrich our onshore helicopter manufacturing capability for the development of tomorrow’s aerospace technologies.”