Start on new college
First sod is turned in Weaponness for Coventry University
The first sod in a “new educational future for Scarborough” has been turned as work has begun on Coventry University’s £14 million campus building in the town.
Coventry University Scarborough Campus opened just last month, welcoming its first students in a range of courses at Scarborough Spa – but from next year they will move to the new state-of-the-art complex at the Weaponness site.
Chananya Kleaklom, from Scarborough, who is studying on the early childhood development and learning programme, was chosen to start the construction work which is being undertaken by Willmott Dixon.
She was joined by Mayor of the Borough of Scarborough Cllr Tom Fox, vice-chancellor of Coventry University Professor John Latham, Provost of Coventry University Scarborough Campus Professor Craig Gaskell, and Anthony Dillon, Managing Director for Willmott Dixon in Yorkshire.
Prof Latham said: “This is a massively important project for Coventry University, Scarborough and the regional economy. This may be the start of work on a physical building but the establishment of the new campus is the beginning of a huge opportunity.
“It will bring transformational economic and social impact by enhancing the education, skills and career prospects of local people, but, as the student numbers grow, it will bring an increasingly positive economic impact on the town.
“We have had great support from Scarborough Borough Council, the local business community and other stakeholders who see long-term value in the project and are equally excited about the positive impact it will have.
“Our students are already enrolled and on their courses, and Chananya is one who will move across next academic year to this complex and complete her studies in the best possible environment.”
Coventry University Scarborough Campus is part of the £45 million sports and education facility on the town’s old Weaponness Park and Ride site.
Cllr Fox added: “This is an inspirational example of the public and private sectors working together to develop a new centre for world class education on the Yorkshire coast.
“It will have wider benefits for the town, borough and Yorkshire region in terms of job creation, supplier businesses and student spend.
“Above all, Scarborough will be able to create its very own young business talent ready to feed into existing and future industries, which is a hugely exciting prospect.”