Rookwood Higher Skills Centre
Eastleigh College is a leading provider of training in business and vocational skills, awarded both Beacon status and Training Quality Standard by the Government for its quality as a recognised centre of excellence. Eastleigh College works in partnership with local schools, businesses and the community, to meet the Borough's training and development needs, providing facilities that can be accessed by all.
As Eastleigh develops so does its college, and the need has been identified for a new centre that will focus upon adults in employment, who are seeking to gain qualifications at a higher level. This centre will support the need to raise local skill levels and will contribute to promoting economic success within the Borough.
In partnership with local authorities and specialist consultants, the College has identified the Rookwood site as a sustainable location for this new Higher Skills Centre. This webpage explains our proposals, how they will benefit the various stakeholders and invites you to have your say.
The Proposals
A new state-of-the-art facility is planned to replace the ageing school building that currently occupies the site. The plans will include:
- A new access road from Woodside Avenue
- Removal of all pedestrian and vehicular access to the site from Penshurst Way
- Sufficient parking to accommodate all learners
- Maintenance and enhancement of tree density and boundary screening
- An exemplar building designed to the highest environmental standards
- Training and assessment facilities for engineering services and green technologies
- Purpose built computer suites for CAD and AutoCAD departments
- A bespoke centre for business training and professional studies
- State-of-the-art IT and virtual learning provisions
The Benefits
This new Higher Skills Centre will bring substantial benefits both to the community, the Borough and to its college. The Centre will:
- Eliminate the risk of future housing development on this site
- Provide local facilities for adults to develop higher skills qualifications (i.e. to degree level)
- Provide upgraded pedestrian facilities including public footpaths, crossings and bus stops on Woodside Avenue
- Actively contribute to the need to equip the local population with skills and qualifications
- Provide valuable employment opportunities for Eastleigh residents
- Bring multi-million pound investment to the Borough
- Provide space efficient 21st century learning environments for local people
- Produce a sustainable, cost efficient, low carbon building
- Secure the long-term future of Eastleigh College as a leading education provider
- Increase the economic wellbeing of the local community
Over to you!
We want you to have your say. We'll try and answer all of your questions and will listen to any concerns you may have. There are several ways that you can see the proposals and make your comments:
- Complete the questionnaire
- Visit the exhibition at the Rookwood Centre open from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th February between the following times:
- Monday 2nd February 1300 - 1630
- Tuesday 3rd February 1600 - 1930
- Wednesday 4th February 1300 - 1630
- Thursday 5th February 1600 - 1930
- Friday 6th February 1300 - 1630
- Contact us direct by writing to: The Project Manager, Eastleigh College, Chestnut Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 5FS
- By telephone: 023 8091 1000
- By email: achapman@eastleigh.ac.uk
All comments and feedback will be taken into account and included in a report presented to the Local Authority as part of the application process. Join us and help to keep Eastleigh College a centre of excellence and Eastleigh Borough a place to be proud of!
