THE new buildings at the Cornwall College St Austell campus are soon to welcome their first students.

The campus is temporarily closed to students so preparations can be made for the buildings to open.

The new buildings have been constructed during the past two years as the campus, off Tregonissey Road, has witnessed the first part of its major transformation.

The multi-million-pound scheme, backed by the Government’s Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, aims to create a state-of-the-art learning environment designed to inspire ambition, boost opportunity and drive local economic growth.

New buildings have been created next to the Keay Theatre on the Cornwall College campus. (Picture: Paul Williams)
New buildings have been created next to the Keay Theatre on the Cornwall College campus. (Picture: Paul Williams)

In an online post on Monday (October 19), the college said: “Our St Austell campus will be temporarily closed for the next two weeks as we transition into our new buildings.

“During this period, learning will continue online. All students have been provided with instructions on how to access their learning materials. Staff remain contactable via email. The Keay Theatre remains open as usual.

“Thank you for your patience as we take another step towards our transformed St Austell campus. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon!”

The college views the transformation as a game-changer, saying: “This redevelopment isn’t just about new buildings, it’s about creating locally accessible space where people of all ages in mid-Cornwall can access life-changing education, develop skills for the future and study academic subjects to fulfil their ambitions.”

One of the new blocks constructed on the college campus. (Picture: Paul Williams)
One of the new blocks constructed on the college campus. (Picture: Paul Williams)

Construction work is being carried out in phases, the scheme having been designed to keep disruption to a minimum. Following the construction of the first new blocks, other parts of the campus will be demolished and redeveloped.

Cornwall College St Austell is one of 16 colleges across England selected for investment through the Further Education Capital Transformation Fund. Across the country, the funding is aimed at rebuilding and modernising college estates to better meet the needs of students and the wider community.