North Devon College invests £800,000 over summer in new facilities for students
A busy summer improvement programme has seen a range of new additions and refurbishments at North Devon College
North Devon College has unveiled a range of improvements for the new autumn term after investing more than £800,000 over the summer.
As students return for the start of another college year, the Barnstaple campus has seen a range of new additions and refurbishments which the college says is part of a wider multi-million investment programme.
It said more than 30 improvement projects have been delivered alongside almost 100 room moves, creating improved teaching, learning and social spaces for students and staff.
These include a refurb of the sports hall, gym and changing facilities, plus a new commercial spa facility and new commercial ovens for its student-run restaurant, The Taw, both of which will open to the public this year.
There are also new student social and study spaces, including a new A-level study suite and covered outdoor social hub.
The college has added a new supported study suite where learners can access learning and study support from specialist SEND staff.
Two new performing arts studios and a new digital suite for creative subjects have also been added plus a new ‘Extra Hub’ in the centre of the college to support its new extracurricular, academies and careers help.
The investment coincides with the first full term under the college’s new name and identity. It became North Devon College in January as part of the Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group.
The college has said the upgrades are “just the start” of a longer-term investment programme in North Devon College, with new builds, enhancements and extensions planned across the campus in the years ahead.
Jade Otty, group deputy CEO of Exeter and North Devon Colleges Group, said: “This September marks an exciting milestone for North Devon College.
“We want every student arriving on campus to see the ambition we have for their college reflected in the environment in which they learn, socialise and spend their time.
“The improvements delivered this summer are an important first step in our longer-term commitment to investing in North Devon College, our students and their experience.
“We have ambitious plans for the college and there is much more to come as we continue to build on the strengths of North Devon and create even greater opportunities for our learners and our community.”
John Laramy CBE DL, group principal and CEO, added: “It’s been fantastic to see the improvements happening at North Devon College this summer and I’m confident our students and staff will really notice the benefits.
“We want to be an exceptional college group and a huge part of that is offering the best possible teaching and learning opportunities for young people and communities across North Devon.
“With more investment and improvements to come, I’m really positive about what the future has in store for North Devon College.”
To find out about open events at North Devon College, visit https://www.ndc.ac.uk/open-events