Castle College milestone at The Sheffield College

Castle College milestone at The Sheffield College

Castle College is changing its name as it reaches a milestone for the construction of its new building.

The site, which has attracted £60 million of investment, will be renamed Sheffield City College to reflect its strong ties to Sheffield, its people, their skills and the local economy.

Julie Byrne, Director of Castle College, said: "We are the largest vocational training resource for the city. The new college will be a major landmark and provide our students with outstanding facilities.

"The new building is a dynamic catalyst for change, which includes a new name. It is enabling us to raise aspirations and achievement, and focus on vocational excellence and enterprise. It will be an excellent place to work and study."

Castle College has a regional and national reputation. Staff and lecturers regularly achieve national acclaim, winning many awards.

The new name will be launched from January 2009. The Sheffield City College logo will be gradually phased in until the completion of the new building in 2010.

To date, the eco-friendly site, on Granville Road, is on budget and on time, and has just hit the half way mark in terms of its construction timeline.

Latest developments include the installation of the steel frames that will support the curved glass facade of the six-storey cathedral-style atrium.

A 60-place children's nursery has been finished and is now open. Its green roof has thousands of slow growing sedum plants that change colour with the seasons.

A three-storey tower housing the catering block, which contains six new kitchens, a bakery, aviation academy, a new restaurant open to the public, and a student refectory for 400 people with a terrace and panoramic views of the city skyline, will be fully operational for spring 2009.

A seven-storey block with a learning resource centre, and teaching and learning facilities for students studying construction, science, information technology, animal care, hairdressing and beauty therapy, is scheduled for completion by November 2009.

The building has many sustainable features that will contribute to reducing the site's carbon footprint including solar panels and wind turbines to provide power to the campus, as well as rainwater harvesting.

The site will draw energy from its link to Sheffield Heat and Power, a district heating network which provides a renewable source of economical, efficient and environmentally friendly energy. Solar panels and wind turbines will also help to provide power to the building.

A rainwater harvesting scheme will involve recycling water to flush toilets. Any rainwater overflow will support a wildlife pond. In addition to effective water management, there will also be a range of smaller environmentally friendly initiatives which include a food composting process.

The building's architects, Jefferson Sheard, and contractor, JF Finnegan, are both Sheffield-based.

Artist's impression of the new Sheffield City College