Work begins on redevelopment of Stockport College campus

Contractors, Seddon, have begun work to deliver a refurbished and modern new buildings at Stockport College’s Wellington Road campus.

The £7.1 million project will see construction of a new arts building, as well as refurbishment of Vernon Tower to provide new teaching facilities. Learning at the college will remain unaffected by the works. Seddon and Trafford College Group expect construction to be complete by July 2021, in time for the 2021-22 academic year.

In line with Covid-safe guidelines, Seddon will ensure social distancing and improved hygiene practices on-site to protect workers on the Stockport College campus, which includes five apprenticeship positions that were created by the redevelopment project.

Michelle Leslie, vice principal of corporate services at The Trafford College Group, said:

Following extensive feedback from students, staff and local residents, we are pleased to say that work has now begun on the revitalisation of Stockport College.

“After what has been a challenging year this project is just the boost we need to help us meet our goals for the college in 2021 and beyond, and we look forward to sharing updates with staff, students and the wider community as building progresses.”

John Shannon, divisional director at Seddon, said:

Stockport College is part of the town’s fabric, offering fantastic educational opportunities for local young people in open space that both students and visitors can enjoy.

“For both us and The Trafford College Group it was vitally important that the campus be updated to a high standard to attract new talent and create a modern, vibrant campus that would benefit all. Work is progressing well, and we look forward to completing ahead of the 2021/22 academic year.”

Planning permission for the work was approved by Stockport Council in 2018. In April, Stockport College confirmed the sale of part of its campus to property developers, Investar, who will deliver a new urban village on Greek Street which will be a flagship scheme brought forward by Stockport Mayoral Development Corporation as part of their redevelopment of the Town Centre West area.