Rachel Nicholls, Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Inspire Education Group, said, “Our Centre for Green Technology demonstrates a significant stride in Inspire Education Group’s commitment to local economic growth and sustainability. This exciting £13.5 million project will equip students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in modern construction methods, emerging technologies, alternative heat sources, and electric vehicle technology, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving construction landscape.”

The project has been partly funded by Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), providing £2.471 million via the Transforming Cities Fund and £400,000 from the Local Growth Fund, further to the £1.9 million package from Peterborough City Council via the Towns Fund.

Chair of the Combined Authority Skills Committee, Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, who attended the event, added, “To take advantage of the opportunities of moving towards a net zero carbon economy, it is vital to speed up the availability of cutting-edge green skills that will help people into great jobs and careers. IEG’s close working with local industry will be vital in ensuring that the courses and curriculum meet the fast-changing needs of business. It is great to see construction start, and this project adds to the many investments the Combined Authority is making to regenerate Peterborough and help its people get on in life.”

The innovative curriculum has also been developed in collaboration with local employers, showcasing IEG’s proactive approach to bridging the gap between classroom and industry, and being at the forefront of shaping a knowledgeable and skilled workforce adaptable to the dynamic demands of this high-growth industry.

Chair of Town’s Fund, Matthew Bradbury commented, “This important project takes Peterborough to the forefront of the UK’s drive to adopt and manage new green technologies. It is extremely exciting to see Peterborough College “breaking ground” literally and practically.”

Councillor Peter Hiller, Cabinet Member for Housing, Growth, and Regeneration at Peterborough City Council, commended the initiative, saying, “It’s brilliant to see spades in the ground on this innovative building here in Peterborough. Once open, the centre will be one of many projects that is putting the city on the map as well as encouraging the aspirations of young people to develop skills that will enable them to secure higher wage employment opportunities. The project supports the green technology sector and will provide employers with highly skilled workers that will help to develop their businesses.”

Partners Clegg Construction managing the build remarked on the delight of getting the project underway with Darren Chapman, Operations Director at Clegg Construction, saying, “The Centre for Green Technology at Peterborough College is an inspiring project which will make a real difference to the future, training the next generation to work in green technologies and modern methods of construction.

“Clegg Construction is very pleased to have been appointed to partner with the Inspire Education Group to deliver this exciting scheme and we are delighted to have now started on site.”

The Centre for Green Technology is poised to become a hub for excellence, fostering the next generation of skilled professionals while contributing to the city’s prominence in the green technology sector.