Member Article

Leeds officially put forward for specialist construction college at South Bank

Leeds is hoping to equip the next generation of world-class engineers as it officially enters its bid to host a new further education college.

Leeds City Council has put the city forward to become the home of a specialist construction college developing the engineering and construction skills required for the implementation of a high-speed rail network.

This unique college would support skills and training across the UK to deliver important future infrastructure projects.

The proposed 4 acre site is on a cleared brownfield space on Carlisle Road in the South Bank.

By 2016 the site will be fully ready for construction and the final design would feature at least two bespoke specially equipped work spaces with environmentally friendly elements.

The college will be another key element in the regeneration of the South Bank – one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe.

It would be at the heart of this exciting opportunity close to the future City Centre Park and the arrival of the Leeds HS2 station now being proposed for New Lane.

Leeds Dock will also see a multi-million pound investment which could create up to 5,000 jobs. Leeds city council executive member for leisure and skills, Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, said: “The college is not just about delivering HS2. Future projects coming through Network Rail and the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, plus investments being made by other regions, would mean the college would be preparing the next generation of world-class engineers.”

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership offered support for the bid: “Nowhere is better placed than Leeds City Region to host this flagship new college. Our strategic location and connectivity at the centre of the UK strategic road and rail network means we are the gateway to the North.

“This is a perfect opportunity for the High Speed Rail College to boost the City Region economy and provide the skills and opportunities for our next generation of young people.”

Leeds already attract 34,000 overseas students - more than anywhere outside London – and the council believes it can turn this institution into a destination of choice for overseas companies as well as a way of training our people to work abroad.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .