Member Article

Cumbrian nuclear industry fed by new specialist college

Construction has finished ahead of schedule at Britain’s Energy Coast Construction Skills Centre in Lillyhall, Cumbria.

The £7m project used a variety of renewable technologies and worked with students at the Lakes College in Lilyhall, where the centre is based.

Project managed by Cumbria County Council and built by Esh Construction, the centre will be used to teach vital skills needed for the nuclear industry, which is a huge employer in Cumbria.

At 11-metres high and with a footprint of 3,380 square metres, the facility uses sustainable technologies such as extra insulation, low flush toilets and rainwater harvesting systems.

The building has also incorporated ‘teaching aids’ into it, such as vision panels in the floor so students can see how it is made, and a toilet system with a clear cistern and clear, rear-vision panel for plumbing students.

Finishing touches will be made on the building over the next two months, and will officially open in May.

Paul Redman, construction director at Esh Construction, commented: “It is with great pleasure that Esh Construction is handing over the Britain’s Energy Coast Construction Skills Centre today.

“Completed ahead of schedule and within budget we are very proud to have been associated with this project which combines cutting edge design with a range of sustainable technologies.

“Seeing students graduate from here and carve careers for themselves in the construction sector will be a real pleasure for everyone at Esh Construction and our partners with whom we have collaborated to build the centre.”

Funding was contributed by Lakes College, Britain’s Energy Coast, Nuclear Management Partners and Britain’s Energy Coast Campus, which was funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Situated approximately 16 miles South of the new college is nuclear decommissioning site Sellafield, where 12,000 people are employed.

Britain’s Energy Coast Construction Skills Centre hopes to equip young people with the necessary skills to meet a growing demand created by expansion in the Cumbrian nuclear industry, and to fill roles as current Sellafield workers retire.

Anticipated developments in West Cumbria could also create around 4,400 jobs and the proposed nuclear new build at Moorside will also increase demand for skilled workers, along with other potential developments.

The new Lilyhall centre will have room for 600 students in their workshops and teaching spaces, where they will be able to learn plumbing, brickwork, carpentry, electrical installation and welding, amongst other specialist skills associated with the renewables market.

Steve Szostak, chief executive of project partner Britain’s Energy Coast, said: “It is essential the area has the skills and expertise to help deliver the wide spectrum of infrastructure developments set for this area in the coming years.

“The handover of the building marks yet another key milestone met ahead of schedule and credit must be given to all of those involved in the construction and of course the funders, Nuclear Management Partners and Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.”

Cllr Tony Markley, who is responsible for Cumbria County Council’s economic development, commented: “I am delighted by the way we’ve all pulled together to create what will be a benchmark education and training facility for West Cumbria. This project has been delivered on time and on budget.

“The county council is now leaving the new centre in the capable hands of Lakes College and its funding partners to fit out the new building ready for the summer.

“We’re all looking forward to seeing the finished product and to having students coming through its doors for the first time.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .