Excellent Progress on new Rutland County College Building

I visited the new Rutland County College site in Barleythorpe last week to see what progress has been made on the refurbishment of Rutland's new post 16 educational facility.

I have to say, I was very impressed.  The reception desk has been installed, science labs are almost complete and all the rooms are now in place.  In some area's furniture is stacked ready to move into position. 

The new building has been refurbished to a very high standard and to the untrained eye (mine) gives the impression of a new build. It is set in beautiful countryside and will benefit from significant outside space.

I am a great believer that 'environment' has a big influence on the behaviour and motivation of the people within it and have no doubt that the new building will not only attract more students to the college, but also provide an excellent learning facility in which they can flourish.

On the 6th July the college will start the process of moving in, with the 23rd August being the target date for having everything in place for a planned enrolment day. A public open day will take place at the end of August with an official opening at the end of September.

Rutland County Council has agreed to fund installation of football pitches and changing rooms. The pitch construction will be carried out this year and subject to good growing conditions the pitches should be ready for use in September 2013.

The internal theme of the new college is 'Rutland'; all rooms will be named after places in Rutland with the use of art and photography on internal walls and corridors to add to the feel.

Carl Smith, Head of Facility at Rutland County College told me that he wants the new building to "have a human feel and create a place that people want to be". He went on to say that the contractor Wilmott Dixon Construction, has been "excellent" as has Jim French, Project Manager from Rutland County Council.