Plans approved for Hull’s £10m University Technical College

Planning approval has been given for University Technical College in Hull.

Hull City Council has approved plans for the £10m Ron Dearing UTC, which will provide learning facilities focussing on advanced technical skills for up 600 students.

The UTC, which will be built on the land at Worship Street in the city centre, is a learning institution that caters for students aged 14 - 19, specialising in digital technology and mechatronics.

Matt Jukes, Hull City Council’s chief executive, said: “The planning approval for the UTC is key to securing a brighter future for young people in Hull in ever-growing industries, ensuring they continue their education in the city.

“This new type of learning facility, partnered by industry- leading organisations, aims to inspire young people to become the next generation of talented engineers and digital technicians in the city. The education on offer at UTC will provide a springboard for these students.

“By working with our partners including the University of Hull, the Council has supported the UTC proposals from the very start and is fully committed to enhancing the learning offer in the city and maximising the wider regeneration and economic benefits that this will bring.”

Charlie Spencer OBE, Chair of the Ron Dearing UTC Trust and executive chairman of Hull-based specialist engineering business Spencer Group, added: “We’re delighted our planning application has been approved and would like to thank the committee for their support for this important development.

“Granting of planning consent will enable our plans to continue to move forward strongly. Once the conditions have been addressed, we anticipate construction will begin in early summer to enable the building to be complete, fully fitted out and equipped ready to welcome our first students in September 2017.

“We would like to stress we are determined to be a good neighbour to the residents and businesses in the area and to do everything we can to have a positive impact on the local community. We are resolved to working with local residents to achieve this.”

The UTC is backed by the University of Hull and local employers KC, Siemens and Spencer Group and supported by Hull City Council.

The UTC will be a four-storey building with a bold entrance facing Kingston Square, complementing the listed facade of Hull New Theatre. The building will include space for testing and demonstrating product prototypes, mechatronics and digital technology workshops, a research and conference centre and three floors of accommodation.

Through the Greenport Hull partnership Hull City Council, working with East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has provided significant funding towards the project.

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