Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the LTE Group for a £54m contract to build the first phase of The Manchester College’s learning centre of excellence for creative and digital industries.
The four-storey development is on the site of the city’s former Boddingtons brewery opposite Manchester Arena. It will house two theatres, film studios, media, computing and editing suites, plus recording and photography studios, dance studios and rehearsal rooms as well as bespoke practical spaces for hospitality, media make-up and special effects.
The new facility for The Manchester College’s further education provision and UCEN Manchester’s higher education courses is designed by Bond Bryan and SimpsonHaugh architects.
John Thornhill, Chief Executive at LTE Group said: “We are delighted to appoint Willmott Dixon to deliver this ambitious build strategy which is the catalyst for growth in education and skills across Greater Manchester.
“It comes at a time of economic and employment uncertainty, and will underpin the development of the region’s thriving media, creative and digital industries and will stimulate job creation and new company start-ups across the North West.”
Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the north, said: “This new college campus is a real statement of intent by Manchester that it’s one of the UK’s foremost centres of learning for industries that will help shape a dynamic future economy for the UK.
“The UK is a world leader for creative and digital technology and this college will ensure it stays that way for many generations to come.”