Campus redevelopment welcomed by locals

A public consultation event, showcasing the exciting new campus development plans at Cornwall College St Austell, has been warmly received by local residents.

The exhibition, which saw members of the local community gather at the College’s Keay Theatre, was an opportunity to learn more about the plans and proposals for the incredible new campus redesign in the town.

Members of the senior leadership team from The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) were on hand to discuss the grand plans, as well as representatives from BAM Construction, the Department for Education and AHR Architects.

The public response was overwhelmingly positive, as attendees were thrilled with the proposed developments that will transform the campus and town.

John Evans, Principal and CE of TCCG, stressed the importance of keeping local communities well informed throughout the redevelopment process.

“We believe that it’s crucial to keep the residents involved in the planning stages, to give them a chance to be heard, and ensure our plans are aligned with their visions and aspirations,” John explained.

As well as the modernisation of the campus with new state-of-the-art facilities, the redevelopment plans promise to offer students a cutting-edge learning experience unlike any you’ll find elsewhere.

John continued: “This is a multi-million pound redevelopment that will be national news. The first of its kind in the region, it will be a state-of-the-art, carbon-neutral building and a community hub, accessible to all. The positive effects for young people and adults across our communities will be potentially life- changing.”

For Head of Campus David Atkinson-Beaumont, getting the chance to discuss the plans with local residents was a crucial part of the process.

“It’s key we find out what local homeowners feel about the building process and the development, but so far the reaction has been fantastic.”

“We want to be here for the community, and the proposals certainly reflect our plans, to ensure a bright future for our students for decades to come,” David added.

Adrian Ford, Group Deputy Principal Group Operations at TCCG, expressed his gratitude to those who attended the public consultation evening.

“The engagement with the local community has been immensely positive, we want to give our students the best opportunities we can,” he said.

“The proposed redevelopment is an ambitious and exciting venture that will allow us to strengthen our connections with the local community, local schools and suit local needs. It was a successful day, with attendees showing great interest in the proposed plans for the campus,” Adrian added.

Michael has lived in St Austell since 1978, he’s also a member of ‘Restormel Art’.

He commented: “It was wonderful to speak to the project developers. Having seen the plans, I think it’s fantastic for the people of St Austell and good value.”

Fellow St Austell resident Tamsin lives just down the road from the campus, and said the plans look “very good and well thought through.”

Another resident, Val, attended the event and thought the designs were “admirable.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing the end results and taking advantage of the spaces and facilities which will become available for the community,” she added.

Trevor is the president of St Austell operatic society, he lives nearby and stated “from what I’ve seen so far, I’m very impressed with the improvements that will be put in place.”

TCCG is committed to ensuring that the development is carried out in consultation with the local community, and this event was an important step in achieving that goal.

Graham Kingdon, from BAM, the contractors carrying out the new build, commented: “the success of the event was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exciting news for the future of Cornwall College St Austell.”

Matt Colclough, from AHR Architect, said he’s “thrilled to be part of this project.”

“We are committed to working closely with TCCG, BAM and the Department for Education, as well as the community of St Austell, to deliver a campus that meets the needs of students and staff for generations to come,” he added.

Following the success of the public consultation, TCCG looks forward to continuing to work with the local community as the redevelopment plans progress to the next stage.

For all the latest updates on the multi-million pound redevelopment, visit the college website.

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