A multi-million pound college transformation is on track for completion

The transformation at East Durham College’s Houghall Campus in Durham is progressing well and is on track for opening ahead of the new academic year starting in September.

The £12 million project, the first major work to the site on this scale since its opening in 1938, sees the redevelopment of the iconic front building along with the construction of a number of new buildings to move facilities from the farm closer to the front part of the site.

East Durham College, director of estates and resources, Jim Blower, is delighted at how the work is going and is looking forward to see the building work enter its final stages over the next few month.

He said: “All the months of hard work and planning are starting to really bear fruit and the handover date is rapidly approaching.

“On current programme, the buildings will be handed back to the college in late August, ready for the new academic year.

“It has been great to see this project develop over the last year and the staff, students and I are really looking forward to seeing the finished work in September.”

In the main building an internal social space has been created with walls removed and new stairs installed. An accessible lift has also been installed and a new reception area.

The building will also feature two new labs and two new classrooms along with an IT suite.

Also at the front of the main building a new entrance way and porch is well under construction to create a new accessible entrance for students and visitors.

Progress is going very well on a new animal care building and kennels, with the building and roof now constructed, along with internal walls. External insulation and cladding are currently being fitted, with groundwork for entrances and access ramps ongoing.

Work on the new agricultural buildings is almost complete, with the main structures up and covered. The team is currently working on the internal fittings, additional drainage, ventilation and insulation.

Finally, the new equine centre building work is gathering pace, the framework for the new indoor arena and stables has been built. Surrounding groundworks are nearing completion and all water, electric and data connections have been installed.

For more information on land-based courses at East Durham College’s Houghall campus, visit www.eastdurham.ac.uk or contact the student services team on 0191 375 4710.