Springfield Sixth Form Centre – transforming learning and lives

The BREEAM Excellent standard further education facility will offer high quality vocational programmes for students as part of the Dewsbury Learning Quarter Project.

The Centre has received funding through a £11.1 million grant with cash flow loan facility of up to £0.85 million from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, delivered by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.

Built in partnership with Kirklees Council, and with funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, the state-of-the-art Centre is one of the first of an exciting delivery of projects to take place under the North Kirklees Growth Strategy.

Cllr Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “The new Springfield Centre is a wonderful addition to the splendid Kirklees College. With Growth Deal funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, we are improving access to training and investing in our future workforce. This is an important part of our ambition to transform our economy for the benefit of everyone who lives and works here.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of the LEP, added: “I’m delighted to see this important new facility open in Dewsbury. This is yet another example of how our Growth Deal with Government is opening up opportunities for people across our region to gain new skills in world-class college facilities.”

The centre is focused on skills development, offering a wide range of courses which help prepare students for the world of work, progress to higher education or an apprenticeship.

Students are able to benefit from a range of ultra-modern, creative and technical workspaces that include a fully equipped art-and-design studio and motor vehicle workshop, an extensive learning resource centre, the latest IT and digital media equipment and numerous relaxing social spaces.

Kirklees College Principal, Marie Gilluley, said; “We are very proud to be able to officially launch our Springfield Sixth Form Centre and want to thank all those involved with the project, who without their help, this centre would not be possible. The centre’s convenient location and excellent facilities are opening up learning opportunities to the wider community and transforming learning and lives in Dewsbury.”

Following afternoon tea and cake cutting, guests were invited on a tour of the impressive building which is set over 3 floors, incorporates 73 windows, 85 rooms, 11 computer suites and classrooms and covers nine subject areas.