Pictured above: (l-r) Norman Cave, principal of Bournville College; Councillor Neville Summerfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Birmingham City Council; Mick Laverty, chief executive of Advantage West Midlands; Bill Oliver, chief executive officer of St. Modwen; Peter Brammall, Area Director Birmingham and Solihull for the Learning & Skills Council

Construction has commenced for the creation of the landmark new £66 million Bournville College, a major element in the next phase of £1 billion redevelopment of the former MG Rover works at Longbridge, by the UK's leading regeneration specialist, St. Modwen and joint land owner Advantage West Midlands.  

The development will see the relocation of the existing Bournville College in Northfield to Longbridge, in order to bring its three campuses together into purpose built, 250,000 sq ft premises. 

Having secured detailed planning approval and funding from the Learning & Skills Council, the build programme for the six storey development is set to generate hundreds of construction and associated jobs locally, in order to create a dynamic new learning environment for over 15,000 students in both further and higher education. 

Bill Oliver, Chief Executive Officer, St. Modwen, commented: "The St. Modwen team is delighted that construction has started on Bournville College, a landmark building that will play a central role in the new Longbridge Town Centre and serves as a catalyst for development across the entire site. This high quality educational facility is vital to ensuring the community we create at Longbridge is youthful, dynamic and sustainable for the long term and we look forward to watching it take shape over the coming months."

Norman Cave, Principal of Bournville College said: "We are thrilled that the work on the College has started and we look forward to watching our vision develop into reality. The new building is due to open for students in September 2011 and the local community can look forward to state-of-the-art education and training facilities on their doorstep." 

Pictured above: A CGI of Bournville College

Mick Laverty, Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands added: "The start of onsite work for Bournville College is another important milestone in the regeneration of Longbridge town centre, and testament to the commitment of partners who have worked together to deliver this project at a time of great uncertainty. As one of the West Midlands' 20 Impact Investment Locations (IIL), Longbridge will continue to be a priority for the Agency and all regional partners. Together, we are creating a better Longbridge for the local community, with improved facilities and opportunities to live, learn and work."

Councillor Neville Summerfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration at Birmingham City Council concluded: "The new Bournville College is an intrinsic part of the Longbridge Area Action Plan, the agreed vision for the development of the area.  I am very pleased that the collaborative work between the Partners including the City Council has brought forward this important element of the Plan." 

On target to be completed in time for the start of the new academic year in September 2011, the Broadway Malyan designed college reflects St. Modwen's commitment to sustainability at Longbridge. The building which is under development by Shepherd Construction, has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of 'Excellent' and hosts a number of environmental design features.