Willmott Dixon wins contract to build Rotherham College uni campus

ROTHERHAM College has awarded the contract to build its uni campus at Doncaster Gate to Willmott Dixon.
An artist's impression of what the campus will look likeAn artist's impression of what the campus will look like
An artist's impression of what the campus will look like

RNN Group, the college’s parent company, has also tied up the land purchase for the former hospital site.

The campus — to be called University Centre Rotherham — will include specialist teaching spaces, a library, cafe and social areas.

RNN chief executive John Connolly said: “We are delighted to have taken a big step forward in delivering this fantastic project, which will offer so much to our region’s students and employers.

“It will be a major boost for us in addressing the skills gaps that employers are expecting to see in the near future, as the economy continues to grow.”

Building work will begin this summer and Mr Connolly said the completion target was still autumn 2018.

Willmott Dixon director Andrew Hurcomb said: “As a company based in Yorkshire with a strong track record of work in Rotherham, which includes the role of our sister company Fortem maintaining homes in the town, we are proud to have been appointed to take forward the plans.

“We will work closely with local companies in and around Rotherham to ensure as many as possible are involved with the building work.

“We’ll also build strong links with the university centre to encourage many of its students to choose a career in construction.”

Rotherham Borough Council sold the site after demolishing the old building in 2014, saying it was too expensive to refurbish or maintain.

Council leader Cllr Chris Read said: “Having our own university centre in Rotherham is a fantastic opportunity for local people to study at degree level. 

“This is one of our ‘game changers’ in the Rotherham Plan, to help local people gain higher level skills which will increase their employability.”