Peterborough College, part of Inspire Education Group (IEG), has been granted full planning permission by Peterborough City Council for its proposed Centre for Green Technology.
After unanimous approval from the board of councillors, the 2300 square metre build is expected to commence in the summer of 2023, with the delivery of courses following in September 2024. Peterborough College has worked with employers to develop an innovative curriculum, which includes modern methods of construction, emerging construction technologies, alternative heat sources and electric vehicle technology, equipping students with the skills to embark on careers in high-growth industries. Emulating the ‘green’ curriculum offering, measures will also be taken to ensure that the Centre for Green Technology will be a ‘net zero build’, meaning the total energy demand of the building is met by use of on-site renewable energy.
The build is a prime example of Inspire Education Group’s ongoing commitment to local economic growth and sustainability, and has already garnered great attention, with Shadow Energy Minister Dr. Alan Whitehead, and Labour Candidate for Peterborough, Andrew Pakes, recently visiting the Peterborough campus to review the ambitious plans for the Centre. Over a third of the funding required for the 12.5 million-pound project has already been secured, with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) offering £2.471M in support, in addition to the Towns Fund’s contribution of £1.9M. Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Education Group, expressed her gratitude; “We are delighted to receive £2.471 million in support from the CPCA, further to the £1.9 million package from the Towns Fund venture. The new building is a £12.5 million project, and we are looking to secure additional funding streams over the coming months. It’s certainly an exciting development for Peterborough College, and will no doubt help Inspire Education Group to provide the skills that employers need in the workforce for the future”.
