Community engagement a critical part of Tyne Coast College’s relocation project
Hebburn-based, Castle, has launched a community and stakeholder engagement programme in its role as main contractor for the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, part of Tyne Coast College.
The £95m project is a partnership between Tyne Coast College and South Tyneside Council. It is being funded by Tyne Coast College, the North East Combined Authority, the Department for Education (DfE) and UK Government.
With the college moving from Westoe Village to South Shields town centre, both the college and Castle are committed to forging strong relationships with stakeholders and local communities. From September, in partnership with South Tyneside College, Castle will engage with a number of schools that have established links with the college, to offer site visits, work experience and in-school presentations to highlight the varied career paths that construction can offer.
The project will create a 15,000 sq. metre campus on King Street. It will include the repair and upgrade of the listed building on Barrington Street, the conversion of the former BT building into student accommodation and the development of units within the Readhead area to create additional dedicated college facilities.
As the project progresses, Castle and the college, will invite stakeholders, careers leaders, construction students, heads of secondary schools, community groups and businesses to meet key personnel associated with the build.
The company has a specialist stakeholder and engagement team in place and a dedicated website which will contain a range of information including regular updates on construction milestones and details on road closures or diversions during the contract period.
The website will also signpost ways for local companies to supply services to the project and job roles that become available throughout the course of the development. There will also be updates on meetings with local groups, residents and businesses and details of donations by Castle to local charities and worthy causes linked to the project. The college website will also host a dedicated area for those wanting to be kept up to date on the project and college offer.
Andrew Dawson, managing director at Castle, said: “The relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School will bring huge benefits to the borough and wider region. We also understand that the project will be of huge interest to a vast range of people in the borough, regionally, nationally and, in terms of the marine school, internationally.
“We have put a very strong emphasis on community and stakeholder engagement and have appointed a dedicated team who will build relationships and ensure a regular flow of communication. We look forward to sharing news and updates during the course of the project as we deliver an outstanding facility that will play a key role in shaping the futures of so many people in South Tyneside and beyond.”
Dr Lindsey Whiterod CBE, Chief Executive, Tyne Coast College, said: “We are looking forward to embarking on a programme of events and activities as part of the community engagement programme and are excited by the opportunities it will offer those who live and work in South Tyneside and the wider region.
“Our vision for the new campus will reshape education in South Tyneside and we are passionate in ensuring that the people of the borough are part of that journey from the very beginning.”
Councillor Margaret Meling, Lead Member for Economic Growth and Transport on South Tyneside Council said: “This project represents a major investment in the future of South Tyneside and it’s vital that local people are at the heart of it.
“From creating opportunities for young people to explore careers in construction, to supporting local businesses and investing in community initiatives, this is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about giving back and making sure the benefits of the development are felt far and wide.”
The community engagement website is https://www.castlecommunity.co.uk