Chesterfield College’s £10m ‘green skills’ hub takes shape

Chesterfield College, Robertson, local employers and other key stakeholders attended a steel signing ceremony for the project to mark the completion of the steel frame and to hear more about what the 2,450m² new-build facility will offer.

Set to open in 2026, the project will house cutting-edge facilities for students across science, engineering, manufacturing, construction and automotive studies. This includes an advanced engineering lab, electrical installation workshop, electric/hydrogen vehicle workshop, 3D printing and prototype workshop, science labs, general teaching and ICT suite, and collaboration space.

A major focus of the curriculum will be sustainable technologies and engineering practices, aligning with the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target and addressing the Climate Crisis. Developed in consultation with local employers, the facility will equip students with the skills needed to meet industry demands and drive the region’s transition to a greener economy.

Using a fabric-first approach, the building has been designed to maximise the performance of the components and materials that will be used to deliver energy and carbon savings whilst maximising value for money.

Jonathan Sizer, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands, said: “With a focus on innovation, growth and sustainability, the state-of-the-art facility is progressing well with the steel frame now complete. We are ensuring that the project meets Chesterfield College’s mission of inspiring futures and changing lives, and look forward to continuing to work closely with students, staff and stakeholders to create a facility that everyone can be proud of.

“We have extensive experience in delivering high-quality educational projects in the area, so it’s great to bring this expertise to our first project for Chesterfield College.” 

Julie Richards OBE, Principal and CEO, Chesterfield College, explains: "After a long time in the planning stages I am absolutely delighted to finally share details of the new Advanced Manufacturing and Life Sciences facility we will be offering to our learning community from 2026. Concentrating on the latest industry skills and technology, with a real focus on vitally important green skills, the facility has been curated in consultation with local employers to ensure it produces a skilled workforce to supply local demand for years to come.”

As part of the works, the existing North Block 1 building and temporary structure will be demolished following the completion of the new facility to make way for a revitalised green space area.

Robertson Construction Yorkshire & East Midlands was appointed to deliver the project through the YORbuild3 Medium Works framework. This follows the business’ successful completion of its seventh project for the University of Sheffield and commencement of a new endoscopy unit for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.