Cheadle College is celebrating a major milestone in its £27 million redevelopment, marking the structural completion of its pioneering campus.

A topping-out ceremony – the traditional construction term which symbolises the progress of work - was attended by students, staff, and key partners including contractor Willmott Dixon.

Students take part in the topping out alongside college staff and Willmott Dixon

Six photography students were also present at the event as part of a project to document the construction process. Their work will form a display and become part of the building’s legacy once it is officially launched.

The event signifies a crucial step towards the project’s scheduled completion in summer 2025.

James Scott, Principal and CEO of The Trafford and Stockport College Group, of which Cheadle College is part of, said:

“This is an exciting milestone in the journey to transform Cheadle College. The topping-out ceremony celebrates not only the completion of the building’s structure but also the collaborative efforts of everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. Our new campus will provide a transformative educational environment that inspires students, supports innovative teaching methods, and equips learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their future careers.”

Once completed, the redevelopment will feature cutting-edge facilities tailored to meet the diverse needs of students.

Highlights include:

• Modern learning spaces for vocational and academic courses such as Horticulture, Early Years, and Health and Social Care.
• Specialist areas for the college’s Choices students, including a sensory room and dedicated garden.
• A new Learning Resource Centre, enhanced student services, and welcoming social spaces.
• Infrastructure to support the college’s T Level programmes in Health and Childcare.

Sustainability remains at the forefront of the design, which incorporates energy-efficient features such as photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, solar-efficient glazing, and lighting systems.

Mike Poole-Sutherland, Director for Willmott Dixon in the North:

“As we reach this exciting milestone, we’re proud as a locally based company to be working alongside our partners to ensure this transformative building leaves a lasting legacy for this community and college students. So far, we’ve engaged with 800 local students, delivered 30 weeks of T-Level placements and created three apprenticeships.”

Jess Jones, Key Account Coordinator at Procure Partnerships Framework, said:

"We're delighted to be part of this significant milestone in the £27 million redevelopment of Cheadle College. This project is set to be a legacy for the community, enhancing the learning environment for students while also boosting skills and employment opportunities, not just for the students who will benefit from these facilities, but for the wider community as well. We're proud to be part of this transformative project and look forward to its continued progress."

The project, procured via the Procure Partnerships Framework, is a collaborative effort funded by £20m of government support and £7m of college equity.