A CGI of Middlesbrough College Group ’ s new multi-million-pound engineering training facility .
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NEWS
COLLEGE ’ S PLANS FOR TOP-CLASS FACILITY
Plans have been submitted by Middlesbrough College Group for a multi-million-pound engineering facility that could transform Teesside ’ s net zero aims .
The proposed state-of-the-art facility will act as a replacement and relocation of the current TTE site , home to the technical training provider and hundreds of learners and apprentices .
If approved , the move will see existing TTE provision of workshop training areas , teaching classrooms and staff facilities relocated to a purpose-built facility at the college ’ s Middlehaven campus , on development land adjacent to the STEM Centre .
Zoe Lewis , principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College , said : “ Having consulted on various options , we concluded that this relocation would give TTE students and staff the high-tech facilities and equipment they deserve , as well as improved links to the wider existing college
Work to deliver the South Bank Quay has reached a major milestone with mammoth steel piles being driven into the ground in order to strengthen the quay wall .
The hollow metal pipes are more than 80ft long and 6ft wide and are so big that a 5ft 8in person could easily walk through them .
A total of 350 piles will be installed to create the 15-acre hardstanding and logistical space , with two to three driven in each day over a four-month period .
Local firm Hall Construction has carried out earthworks ahead of UK contractor Graham , which is also building the nearby Teesworks Skills Academy on the site , performing the construction .
The 1km quay will support ambitions to make the site the UK ’ s premier offshore wind hub and will be used by GE Renewable Energy to load out and ship its cutting-edge wind turbine blades to Dogger Bank wind
facilities . “ We ’ re not only investing in our facilities but also securing the technical skills that are in demand and valued by local employers , to name British Steel , Quorn and Anglo American , among others .”
Since its acquisition of TTE in 2019 , Middlesbrough College Group has been the largest engineering training provider for school leavers in the country . If approved , the new facility will train 300 full-time students , 300 apprentices and 500 adults , alongside a thriving international cohort .
As well as its provision of traditional engineering , the new facility has been designed to future-proof emerging skills such as green energy .
Subject to a successful bid submitted to the Department for Education , the college is hoping to secure part funding for the £ 10m plans , with a decision expected in spring .
See page 20 to read our exclusive , cover feature with Zoe Lewis .
Quay reaches major milestone
Redcar Council leader Mary Lanigan and Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen with the steel piles at South Bank Quay .
farm when it establishes its facility adjacent to the quay .
The quay also forms part of the wider 4.5m sq ft of advanced manufacturing and industrial space set to be built on 450 acres of land next to the wharf .
The project was recently awarded £ 107m of funding in the UK Infrastructure Bank ’ s first-ever investment , with 200 metres of its construction due to be completed by December , ahead of the full phase one 450 metres by March 2023 .
BATTERY PLANT PLANS Sembcorp Energy UK has announced plans to build Europe ’ s largest battery energy storage system to help the UK achieve its net zero target .
As part of Sembcorp Energy UK ’ s growing battery storage portfolio , it intends to construct a 360MW battery at its site at Wilton International on Teesside .
CONTRACT WINS FOR GAMBLING FIRM An online gambling company ’ s global reach is growing after attracting five-figure contract wins in Germany , Canada and the UK .
The burst of new work means Affili8 – based at Level Q in Stockton – is looking to fill five new positions even earlier than its already ambitious growth trajectory predicted – and a move to bigger offices has made room for the expanding tech team .
GOVERNMENT CONTRACT WIN A Teesside innovation and tech consultancy has secured major contracts for the Welsh Government and is in the process of developing Cleveland Police ’ s first public-facing app . Stockton-based Alt Labs delivers projects for blue-chip clients , including the Go-Ahead Group , Govia Thameslink Railway service in London and National Express Group
The Welsh Government contract – for Alt Labs to develop apps and a website for Transport for Wales – followed successful work with Govia .
SUPERLEC EXPANSION One of the UK ’ s leading online cable and electrical product distributors is marking its 40th year with an expansion and move to new Middlesbrough premises .
As part of its expansion plans , Superlec Electrical Distributors is moving its headquarters and depot from its current base within the grounds of sister business Cleveland Cable Company to a newly refurbished office and warehouse facility in nearby Barton Road .
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