Building for the Future: New Milestones at St Albans Campus

As we progress into the second half of the year, the transformation of Oaklands St Albans campus continues at an impressive pace. Since our last update in March, significant advancements have been made in our £62 million construction project, bringing us closer to completing state-of-the-art facilities that will benefit students and the wider community.

Construction Centre Nearing Completion  

We are excited to announce that the grand opening of Oaklands new Construction Centre is scheduled for 27th September 2024. The building is now watertight and internal fitting has begun. The removal of safety boards has revealed a pristine view of the facility, generating anticipation among students and faculty.   

To mark this significant milestone, we hosted our Construction Development Day on 14th May 2024. This event showcased the remarkable progress made on the new Construction Centre. Approximately 50 VIP guests attended, including the Mayor and the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. The Construction Development Ceremony showcased the centre’s evolution from initial concepts to tangible structures. This centre will offer unparalleled opportunities for plumbing and electrical students, featuring modern teaching facilities within a 3,000m² space dedicated to the construction skills curriculum.  

Claire Dolan, Deputy Principal Strategy, Partnership and Business Development at Oaklands College, expressed, ‘We are very proud of this project, which will provide construction students with new fit-for-purpose teaching facilities.’  

Sports Pavilion Takes Shape  

The construction of the Sports Pavilion is also progressing well, with the structural framework already in place. Set for completion on 18th October 2024, the pavilion will enhance our sports facilities by providing a studio, gym, and changing rooms. These new amenities will support the continued success of our Oaklands Wolves academies, renowned for their sports excellence.  

Embracing Sustainability and Innovation  

In line with our commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge practices, the new Construction Centre includes the use of bricks made from fully recycled materials, making it one of the first projects in the UK to do so. This initiative not only supports the environmental goals of our college but also serves as an educational model for our students, demonstrating the importance of sustainable construction methods.  

A Vision for the Future  

Oaklands’ redevelopment project, approved in 2017, is set to redefine the St Albans campus as a centre of excellence for both academic and vocational education. The wider multi-phase project includes the already operational Evolution Centre, which opened in 2021, providing 49 new classrooms and offices. The residential Homestead building, completed in 2020, continues to support students, particularly those involved in our sports academies and LIFE department.  

As we look forward to the completion of these new facilities, we remain dedicated to fostering a first-class learning environment that invites community engagement and partnerships. The ongoing development is not just about building structures but about creating opportunities and driving inclusion in all our teaching and learning activities.