Burton and South Derbyshire College Students Help Star Foundation to give building a new lease of life

An unused building on Derby Road in Burton on Trent is being transformed into a new community hub thanks to an exciting project by the Star Foundation, with help from construction students from Burton and South Derbyshire College.

The former maltings building on Derby Road is being given a new lease of life with ambitious plans that will see the creation of a range of facilities, including music recording and practice studios, media suite, classroom, stage, martial arts and fitness studio, coffee shop and meeting room.

Students have been putting their skills into practice in a real work environment, undertaking a range of carpentry and building work. This project is just one of a series of live briefs with real employers, giving students hands-on experience in the construction industry.

The project has been funded by money raised through the Star Foundation Charity Furniture Warehouse and public donations and support. In addition to the labour provided by Burton and South Derbyshire College, materials have also been donated by MKM building supplies in Leamington Spa and Morgan Sindall.

The exciting new community hub will be providing free martial arts, fitness lessons and music lessons and workshops through a network of schools in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire. The Academy will provide a safe haven for young people to build their confidence and help them to achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small. Local college, secondary and primary pupils will be able to utilise the facility during term time and it will be made available for the community to use during holiday periods. 

Speaking about the ambitious project, Founder of the Star Foundation, Pete Tryner said: “I have always wanted to give young people the chance to learn skills outside of the education environment. The Star Academy aims to use sport and creative activities to make a difference to young people’s lives. It’s exciting breathing new life into an unused building, and will be a fantastic addition to the town’s facilities.

“The construction students at Burton and South Derbyshire College have been just amazing. This project has given them the chance to learn new skills onsite. It’s great to see a building in the community being rebuilt by young people for young people.”  

The Star Foundation is currently appealing for kind-hearted electricians and plumbers to donate their time to help the project move forward. If you are tradesperson interested in volunteering your time for a worthwhile project in the local community, please email Pete Tryner.