Students Lay Foundations to New Social Space

(l-r) John Mansfield and Noah Gardener at work outside the theatre

Construction students have started work on their own mini new build projects at high-flying South Cheshire College.

Groups of first and second year students are developing a new patio area and garden and an outdoor social space for fellow students at the Dane Bank Avenue campus.

The projects, which have given groups the chance to work to a real-life brief and budget, are now in full swing and running in tandem with work on the College's £75 million main new build project which started fully last month.

Construction students have been commissioned to do the work by the Student Council Site team.

The team has been asked to generate new ideas for social areas, displays, exhibitions and other campaigns which can be implemented into the new build project.

A patio area is being created outside the Log Cabin - a special facility on site which allows Entry Level students to learn independent living skills away from the classroom in a homely environment.

Work is also taking place on a circular amphitheatre, outside the theatre at the front of the campus, which will provide an outdoor classroom, performance space and social area for up to 25 students.

Both of these projects will help to relieve the pressure on social space which is at a premium due to the new build demolition and construction work which is currently taking place on campus.

Karl Jackson, Paul Standring and Jon Warburton from the construction department have all been supervising the two projects which are running simultaneously.

The projects are two of many that students will be engaging in between now and the opening of the new college in Autumn 2010.

Work has already started on the demolition of the old college and the Somerville building and nursery and administration block have almost disappeared.

The new-build project, which will benefit generations of learners in Crewe and Nantwich for years to come, will also revolutionise further education in the area.

Nigel Peet, Director of Curriculum Support and Operations, said: "Projects like this are a wonderful way of engaging students in different activities relating to the new build.

"Both of these social areas which are being created will ease some of the pressure on social space inside the building over the next two years.

"We always welcome new ideas and students have worked extremely hard to bring both of these projects to fruition.

"Thanks to the construction department and the Student Council site team for all their efforts."

The two groups of students working on each project were given a budget of £700 for the design and construction work.

They were asked to present detailed plans ahead of the construction work to a panel of college representatives including Theatre Manager Matt Crummack, Head of Curriculum for Entry Level Anne Timmis and New Build Planning Co-ordinator Jenny Harris.

Construction tutor Paul Standring said: "The students are enjoying the chance to get involved in a hands-on project that will benefit other students while the rest of the major new build work takes place.

"So far they have seen the project through from the start, from the planning and design stages through to construction which they are currently working on."

For further information about Construction courses please contact Central Admissions, South Cheshire College, on +44 (0)1270 654654