A ceremony has been held (Friday 5th June) in Newton Abbot to mark progress on the town’s new University Technical College.

Anne Marie Morris MP, who was re-elected as MP for Newton Abbot, Ian Crews the Principal Designate of the new South Devon UTC and Professor Janice Kay, Provost Vice Chancellor of the University of Exeter performed a “topping out” of the £10.5 million new building.

Ms Morris tightened a golden bolt on the four-storey UTC roof to signify BAM Construction having reached full height for the state-of-the-art specialist water engineering, science and environmental teaching facilities.

"This is a dream come true, not just for me but for so many young people and our business community across South Devon. Together we dared to aspire to create a very special learning opportunity in science and engineering.  There were those that said we couldn't do it - but we have done it - and in some style! The commitment, teamwork and friendships created through this project between different parts of the community are life-long with all the benefits that will bring. It gave me very great pleasure to tighten the golden bolt on our four storey UTC roof to signify the full height of the building has been reached. I look forward to watching the final stages of construction and welcoming our first students. We are the first and only rural University Technical College - and we will continue to lead the way for others!"

Anne Marie Morris

MP

"Friday 5th June marks a key milestone in the construction of South Devon's new £10m engineering and science school.  I am delighted to be part of this event which gives us the opportunity to share the excitement that is growing about the opportunities this new building will give to 14-18 year olds across the wider South Devon area.  Students, parents and business alike continue to indicate their excitement and determination to be involved in this new educational choice in our area."

Ian Crews

Principal Designate at South Devon UTC

"Exeter University is delighted to be here today to take part in this event which demonstrates the key partnerships which have driven this project forward.  This is exactly what South Devon needs to give our young people a focussed education in our economy's areas of skills shortage; that of science, engineering and the environment.  To be involved in a project that really focusses on appropriate destinations for young people, whether that be University, apprenticeship or employment is one of the ways that the University is helping to develop the wider economy in Devon."

Professor Janice Kay

Provost Vice Chancellor from Exeter University

BAM has used the build programme to offer some additional learning support in the area. It has conducted mock interviews for students at TQ12 and Coombeshead Academy, has apprentices on site, and is helping apprentices gain experience in brickwork and carpentry.

BAM demolished existing buildings and remediated the Kingsteignton Road site in Newton Abbot before works began on the brownfield site to build a four-storey building on a split-level former garage site. A retaining wall divides the site in two, with one section 4m higher than the other. The undercroft was constructed on the lower land and this will be used to house the building services plant.

We are Britain’s leading contractor in the UTC programme. This reflects our ability to deliver not only an efficient education building, but one that reflects a proper understanding of what each client wants and needs from the space they will occupy for many years. That requires listening very carefully, and truly engaging with them about how they will use the building. From that good partnerships grow, and I’m pleased that is our experience here in Newton Abbot.” Graham Kingdon, construction director for BAM Construction