Dudley College's new £32 million innovation centre rising up from ground
This photograph shows the foundations being laid for a state-of-the-art technology centre which will be run by Dudley College.
The Government has given the college £32.5 million to build its Institute of Technology off Castle Hill.
The steel frames for the buildings, which will make up the new educational complex, are currently being assembled by construction crews ahead of the building's anticipated opening to students in September 2021.
More than 2,000 learners are set to be taught at the institute by the year 2025.
It will focus on apprenticeships and offer courses in advanced manufacturing, modern construction methodologies and medical engineering.
Education and council bosses say the facility will boost to the region's economy. This will be extra welcome given the economic difficulties brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Opportunity
Work to build the site began in October. The college says construction was delayed by six weeks due to the pandemic but crews have since returned on site.
The institute is being built on a 4,750sq m plot on Castle Hill by the planned new Metro stop, the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre and the Black Country Living Museum.
The college's chief executive Lowell Williams, said: "This is a marvellous opportunity for the people and businesses of the Black Country and the wider West Midlands region.
"They will have access to a national leading skills centre right on their doorstep. The role of the IoT will be to develop the technical skills base of the region in sectors where there are skills shortages and high demand.
"It will help both individuals and businesses to thrive, and provide a further boost the regional economy."
The project will cost £32.5m, with the Government stumping up £16.8m.
Dudley College was one of a number of college's to bid for cash as part of a £170m Government funding pot for new skills institutions.
