First glimpse inside new state-of-the-art education centre

15 Jul 2024

Senior councillors and college leaders have been given the first glimpse of a new skills and education centre that will open in Haverhill High Street next month.

West Suffolk College, part of Eastern Education Group (EEG), is set to open its Personal and Professional Learning Centre at Provincial House under a phased opening from the 1 August, with the public being encouraged to “call in for a cuppa” and meet the team. 

It follows major investment by site owners West Suffolk Council in a scheme designed both to boost adult education and skills, bring extra footfall to Haverhill town centre, and further generate income to help toward the cost of council services across the district. 

On Wednesday (10 July), college representatives and cabinet members from West Suffolk Council toured the new centre to see the progress that has been made. The centre will feature state-of-the-art facilities and will use interactive technology to connect learners across Eastern Education Group’s other regional centres. 

Debbie Barton, Assistant Principal of Personal and Professional Learning at the group, has praised the council for their investment and says that the centre will create exciting new opportunities for the local community.

“We're incredibly grateful to West Suffolk Council for their collaboration and their willingness to invest in this,” she said.

 “Without the support of the council, we would never have been able to build such an amazing centre. I think the space we've got, particularly the large conferencing space, will provide exciting opportunities to work with local employers, as well as the DWP and job centre, to run employment fairs and directly link our learners to potential job opportunities. 

“We can also work with local primary schools to run our hugely popular Skills Escalator Days, so it’s really a space we can use for literally anything that we want to do.”

Laraine Moody, Group Principal of University and Professional Development at Eastern Education Group, said: “Learning is a lifelong journey that enriches personal lives. Engaging in adult education can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment, increased self-esteem, and overall well-being.

“Adult learning is not just about acquiring new skills; it is a fundamental component of personal development and professional progress. It equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern life, contributes to economic prosperity, and fosters a more inclusive, innovative, and engaged community. 

“We are proud to continue our offer of lifelong learning to the residents of Haverhill.”

West Suffolk Council agreed to budget up to £2million for works to Provincial House late last year. 

The ground floor of the new Personal and Professional Learning Centre will open on the 1 August, while the college will take on part of the second floor from the autumn. 

The council is also speaking to another prospective public sector tenant with a view that they take on the remainder of the second floor. Original tenants AXA Insurance occupy the first floor while the third floor is being marketed. 

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “I was delighted to see inside the new Personal and Professional Learning Centre.

“Our investment is more than in bricks and mortar. It will support adults to learn new skills, build their confidence and self-esteem and help them on their career path, in line with our own strategic priority for sustainable growth in West Suffolk. 

“This investment also creates more footfall to Haverhill high street to benefit existing businesses as well as to encourage and develop business growth including start-ups and the regeneration of the town centre.”

“With the increased provision for adult skills and education, plus the increased footfall this will bring to the high street, this project will truly help our communities in and around Haverhill to thrive.”
Cllr Diane Hind, Cabinet Member for Resources at West Suffolk Council, said: “As well as bringing the first of our new tenants to part of the building, boosting adult education, skills and sustainable growth, this exciting scheme will also create income to support the day-to-day council services that we provide to residents across West Suffolk. Council tax makes up just 15 per cent of what it costs to deliver services so investments in projects such as this benefit both the local community and West Suffolk as a whole.”
“It is fantastic to see the work taking shape at Provincial House and the buzz it is creating and I’m very much looking forward to the opening of the new Personal and Professional Learning Centre next month.”

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