BUSINESS NEWS
Learning at the heart of Stafford
A £ 2.1 million redevelopment has transformed a former town-centre bank into a dedicated hub for adult education. For Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, NSCG in Town will widen access to learning while creating muchneeded capacity for the next generation of students.
A former bank in the centre of Stafford has been given a new purpose as a hub designed to help adults develop their skills, confidence and future prospects.
NSCG in Town opened on Greengate Street in September following a £ 2.1 million redevelopment by Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group.
The project has transformed the threestorey former NatWest building into a professional learning environment which brings Stafford-based daytime adult education provision together under one roof.
Supported by funding from the Department for Education, the new centre includes purpose-built seminar rooms for collaborative learning, a modern IT suite for digital training, private tutorial spaces and offices for NSCG’ s adult education team.
Its location in the heart of Stafford is intended to make learning more accessible while providing mature students with a space specifically tailored to their needs.
The development also addresses another challenge created by NSCG’ s growth. Moving adult provision into the town-centre building will release capacity at the group’ s main Stafford campus, allowing it to accommodate more school leavers.
Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, said:“ This acquisition is a key part of our long-term strategy to manage the incredible growth we have seen across all age groups in recent years.
“ Not only are we providing a professional, adult-only learning hub that is tailored to mature learners, we are also unlocking capacity on our main campus to accommodate the next generation.
“ This new facility ensures every learner in Stafford – whether 16 or 60 – has access to an outstanding learning environment.”
The development reflects the different circumstances in which adults may return to education. For some, learning can provide a route towards new skills or employment. For others, it can offer the confidence needed to take a different direction.
By placing that provision in a dedicated town-centre setting, NSCG aims to create new pathways into education while supporting lifelong learning and widening participation.
The project also brings activity back into a prominent former bank building and is expected to contribute to the wider town centre by attracting learners and staff to Greengate Street.
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, championed government support for the development.
She said:“ Something like this in our town centre will help even more young people, and crucially, adult learners to access education.
“ This project will bring huge benefits to our community, from supporting local businesses and strengthening our high street to creating opportunities for people to learn, train, and build a future right here in Stafford.
“ I’ ve said it once and I’ ll say it again, Stafford College is the best in the country, so it is no surprise that they continue to grow.”
76 ISSUE 7