Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the Department for Education to deliver a new £48.8m net carbon zero in operation (NCZiO) campus redevelopment for Wigan & Leigh College.

This project will create a new three-storey 10,811m2 state-of-the-art learning environment at the college’s Parsons Walk Campus where over 3,400 students study every day.

Procured using the Department for Education (DfE) construction framework, the project will aim to achieve a 40% biodiversity net gain with extensive soft landscaping, while sustainability features include photovoltaic solar panels to harness renewable energy and offset all energy used on site.

When completed in 2027, students will learn in a modern college environment that includes seminar rooms, IT suites, laboratories as well as a new restaurant, florist and a salon that will be operated by students.

Thanks to Willmott Dixon’s expertise at working in live environments, it will be delivered while the existing college remains fully open, with staff and students remaining on campus. Construction will follow the phased demolition of the current School of Arts Building, where the new building will be located, with the existing college building and tower blocks demolished once the project is completed.

The development follows a similar NCZiO school the company completed last year for the DfE called Tarleton Academy in Preston. Willmott Dixon also delivered Brian Clarke Academy for the DfE in Oldham in 2023, and the company is also now on-site building Bridgend College Town Centre Campus, which is also set to be NZCiO.

Anna Dawe, Principal and Chief Executive at Wigan & Leigh College said:

“This is an exciting time for the college. The new campus is part of the college’s future commitment to skills delivery in Wigan Borough and a major part of our net-zero strategy. We believe the campus redevelopment will inspire and equip our students for the seamless transition into the world of work and future skills needs.”

Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said:

“Our team of education and sustainability sector specialists will bring a wealth of experience to Wigan & Leigh College, with the 14,000 people who choose to study here every year being at the heart of everything we do.

“We share the college and the DfE’s commitment to creating a catalyst for changing lives for local people and are committed to investing in local skills and organisations, with a focus on opportunities for young and unemployed Wigan residents. As part of that, we will create 200 weeks of apprenticeships, support 15 T-level placements, deliver 180 weeks of work experience and engage hundreds of local students.”