Digital and Data Centre, Exeter College

The new Digital and Data Centre at Exeter College was built to train the next generation of digital professionals. Delivered as part of the wider South West Institute of Technology (SWIOT), the centre provides courses on data analytics, cyber security, and software development - spearheading a digital skills revolution across the region.

Located on the college’s Hele Road campus in the centre of Exeter, it interfaces seamlessly with the existing ‘Hele building’, situated within a conversation area and a nearby ancient monument and listed buildings, the centre is a fine addition to the local environment.

Skills for the future

Delivered in partnership with SWIOT and its seven partners, Exeter College and SWIOT aim to proactively plug the digital skills gap in industry and support major employers in the region such as Oxygen House, Babcock and the Met Office.

The new classrooms and interactive workspaces will provide industry standard facilities and meet the changing demands of the community.

A gateway to the college

Operating on a tight live city centre campus, the Willmott Dixon team needed to adhere to comprehensive logistic plans to minimise the impact on what is normally a busy campus. Comprising of a steel frame with precast planks, the building features a lecture theatre, triple height atrium space and feature staircase. The façade is clad in ceramic rainscreen to mirror and enhance the local architecture. The principal elevation is made up curtain walling, with bronze brise solei providing passive shading. Willmott Dixon are also interfacing with and refurbishing the existing ‘Hele Building’ to be a new home for Exeter College T Level syllabus.