Inside Chichester College’s New STEM & Higher Education Centre

The new facility is designed to be a hub for advanced technical learning and collaboration with employers; providing modern and interactives learning spaces for a range of STEM subjects, interspersed with study and communal spaces.

The building sits at the heart of the campus and replaces the college’s old ‘F Block’, which had previously been demolished. On the ground floor, modern automotive workshops house facilities that enable students to train with electric and hybrid vehicle technology, as well as petrol and diesel vehicles. The first floor houses suites for engineering and computing, whilst the second floor provides an array of modern science laboratories. A dedicated HE centre occupies the top floor, with study spaces designed to meet the needs of students across a range of university-level courses.

Rob Kirton, Senior NEC Supervisor at McBains, commented: “We’re proud to have been involved with the delivery of Chichester College’s STEM and Higher Education Centre. The new learning hub provides a modern, sustainable teaching environment that truly reflects the college’s forward-thinking approach to education and technical training. From the integration of renewable energy systems to the advanced facilities for engineering, computing, and science, this building has been designed to inspire innovation and collaboration for years to come.”

Procured through the SCAPE 5 framework and funded by a grant from the Department for Education, alongside capital funding from the Office for Students for a Higher Education Centre, the project is part of a major departmental improvement plan.

Sustainability is key to the facility, which features roof-mounted solar panels, generating 100% renewable electricity to power air sourced heat pumps and variable refrigerant flow systems that heat and cool the building. The building’s frame is constructed from low carbon steel, produced via electric arc furnaces (EAF) and made up of predominantly scrap (>90%).

McBains provided NEC Supervisor services to the project.