A 1960s teaching block in Colchester has been transformed into a modern training centre for the construction industry.
The building at Colchester Institute’s Colchester Campus is now home to the new Sustainable Construction Centre, designed to support the next generation of construction professionals.
The project was funded by the Department for Education and Essex County Council.
The centre features three brickwork workshops, groundworks facilities, a large painting and decorating suite, and dedicated classrooms for technical and theoretical learning.
Former students and apprentices, now employed by Cadman Construction, played a key role in the redevelopment.
Dawn Budd, who completed three years of brickwork at Colchester Institute and now works for Cadman Construction, said: "I left Colchester Institute in 2024 and it’s great to be back on campus doing what I love."
Curtis Reed, another former student, said: "It’s a full circle moment for me.
"I started out here as a student learning the basics of the trade, and now I’m back working on-site as part of a professional team.
"I’m proud of the hard work I’ve put in to get to this point."
The centre is now the most energy efficient building on the Colchester Campus.
It features air source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system.
Stuart Cadman, managing director at Cadman Construction, said: "Colchester Institute are at the forefront of construction training in the Eastern region, and it gives Cadman’s the greatest of pleasure being involved with such a successful education provider.
"Our workforce is putting their skills gained at Colchester Institute, back into the College and therefore directly benefitting today’s construction students, who are the future of our industry."
The centre will provide specialist learning, supporting continued local demand for construction training and helping learners develop the practical and technical skills required by employers.
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Natalie Hines, director of estates at Colchester Institute, said: "These new facilities will make a real difference to our construction students, giving them industry-relevant spaces where they can develop and practice their skills.
"What makes this project so special is that former students and apprentices working with Cadman Construction helped create the facilities where future students will learn their trade."
The building is scheduled to be officially opened later this month.
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