Progress from the Inside Out

As we move further into the autumn term, work on the new building continues at pace — and it’s incredible how much has changed in just a month. The main structure is now firmly in place, and the focus has shifted inside, where classrooms and learning spaces are beginning to take shape.

There has been a flurry of activity across the site in recent weeks, with significant visible progress both inside and out. The roof is now fully complete, bringing the project closer to a watertight shell, while cladding works are advancing on several sides of the building, offering early glimpses of how the finished exterior will look.

Inside, the transformation is even more striking. Internal walls are now largely in place, clearly defining classrooms, corridors, and key support spaces. Mechanical and plumbing installations continue at pace, with pipe runs, ductwork, and sanitary fittings being carefully fitted throughout the building. At the same time, electrical and IT teams are busy feeding cables and conduits through walls and ceiling spaces to prepare for the modern learning technologies that will be a core feature of the new facility.

Window units and glazing are also being installed in several areas — including the striking large glass panels near the main staircase, which will flood the interior with natural light. Meanwhile, ceilings and walls are being plastered and primed in preparation for the final decorative finishes that will soon bring warmth and character to each space.

To mark this stage of progress, a special milestone event was recently held on site. Representatives from the Department for Education, governors, staff, and students were invited to tour parts of the building and see the evolving spaces first-hand — a strong reminder of how far this exciting project has come.

In the weeks ahead, attention will turn to completing the external cladding and finalising all window and door installations, creating a fully enclosed structure. Inside, work will continue on plastering, painting, flooring, tiling, and joinery, while teams begin installing the final lighting, AV systems, and classroom technology that will support a modern teaching environment.

Alongside these finishing works, the mechanical and electrical systems — including heating, ventilation, water, and gas — will undergo testing and commissioning to ensure everything functions as designed. Once these are complete, the process of snagging and minor defect rectification will begin, paving the way for progressive handovers of completed zones.

In preparation for this next stage, the College also plans to host a series of staff walkthroughs, giving faculty members the opportunity to visualise their future teaching environments and begin planning for the move into these brand-new spaces.