New Waterfront Campus Granted Planning Permission. (Kirklees College)
February 23rd 2010.
Melanie Brooke, Vice-Principal (Corporate Services) at Kirklees College, said:
"We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for what will be a landmark building in the town. The new campus will offer first class education and training opportunities that the people of Kirklees deserve. This is one of the biggest investments in education we’ve had in Kirklees for years. We hope people will get behind this fantastic scheme which will benefit individuals as well as businesses and play a big part in the regeneration of the community.
We were very fortunate to be able to create this purpose-built campus - we were one of only thirteen colleges across the country that were given funding.
During our rigorous statutory consultation process we received a lot of positive feedback about the design of the building which is fit-for-purpose and works within the constraints of the site. It’s a modern cutting–edge design which includes many eco-friendly elements. For example, we are currently working with the council and other partners on an exciting green transport plan. We’d like to reassure the public that there will be a mix of travel options in place for students and staff. The building will achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘excellent’ from the Building Research Establishment for its low environmental impact.
The new campus has been created with one thing in mind – providing students with 21st century learning facilities and resources. All our decisions have been taken with the best interests of learners at the very heart.
We have noted councillors comments about the design and would be delighted to meet them individually so that together we can create a building of which we can all be very proud.”
Senior Architect Robert Klings from Broadway Malyan commented:
“We’ve developed this contemporary building after significant consultation with the people that will be using the building. It’s a bespoke design that is entirely fit for its education and training purpose. A key element of the multi-storey design was the creation of a covered street that brings people right into the heart of the building providing easy access around the whole campus as well as providing the chance for the public to connect with the college community. The building works very well in the space and will compliment the rest of the exciting Waterfront Quarter development perfectly.”