CONSTRUCTION work has started on a brand new £1.4m ‘Innovation Centre’ at Kidderminster College.

Developers officially broke ground on the new Construction and Automotive Green Technology Centre, which will offer a range of state-of-the-art facilities and access to the latest technology and equipment for students.

It was developed in direct response to the growing shortage of construction and automotive skills within the Wyre Forest and the wider Worcestershire region.

Cat Lewis, principal of Kidderminster College, said: “We're delighted to announce the construction of our new Construction and Automotive Green Technology Centre, made possible through our partnerships with owners and developers Gemini Property, and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

“The facility will provide a cutting-edge space for learners to learn using the latest equipment and modern methods of construction and will enable us to put green skills and sustainability at the centre of our curriculum.

“Our vision for Kidderminster College is to be an exceptional local college, making a real difference to the lives and opportunities of our community, and this centre will open a wealth of opportunities to further develop and align our curriculum through the expansion of Higher Technical Qualifications, T-Levels and industry-based professional qualifications, all of which futureproof our local and regional workforce.”

The project is being funded through a joint bid via the Government’s Getting Building Fund through Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership and Kidderminster College. NCG, the national college group that Kidderminster College is part of, will match fund the development, which has an initial value of around £1.4 million.

Gary Woodman, chief executive of the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Via the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we have been able to invest in this site to help train the county’s next wave of construction and automotive specialists, recognising and responding to the gap we have in skills in this area and the opportunities with the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles as well as a new state of the art construction methods.”

Gemini Property is the owner and developer of the site, with Kidderminster College entering into a long-term lease for the building.

Tim Hopkins, owner, and CEO of Gemini Property commented: “We own and operate over 100 sites in the UK, but the Kidderminster site has always been close to my heart and is a strategic priority with Kidderminster being my hometown.

“Employment and skills nationally, not just locally, is a key driver for me, so to be able to successfully complete a deal with Kidderminster College, putting this site at the forefront of technical training, and creating employment in the Wyre Forest and the wider area starts to realise the aspirations that we have for this site”.

The new centre, located off Stourport Road in Kidderminster, is expected to open its doors to students in 2024.