Wolverhampton's £61m City Learning Quarter Campus Officially Complete

Construction has officially concluded on Wolverhampton’s state-of-the-art £61 million City Learning Quarter college campus. The new facility, designed to significantly enhance education and skills within the city, has been handed over to City of Wolverhampton College. Students are set to begin using the modern campus from November 4th, marking a new era for learning in the heart of Wolverhampton.

Key Takeaways

The £61 million City Learning Quarter campus in Wolverhampton has completed construction.
City of Wolverhampton College has taken possession of the first, second, and third floors, along with the ground floor hair and beauty salon.
The campus will open its doors to students on November 4th.
The development is expected to boost city centre footfall by 4,500 people per week.
Over a ten-year period, approximately 45,000 people are projected to benefit from learning at the campus, with around 7,500 apprenticeships started.

A New Hub For Education And Skills

The City Learning Quarter, situated around the Old Hall Street and St George’s Parade area, incorporates the existing Metro One building and a new site on the corner of Garrick Street and Bilston Street. Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, expressed his satisfaction with the project’s timely and on-budget completion. He highlighted the facility’s role in driving education and skills, unlocking opportunities for residents and visitors, and acting as a vital focal point for the city centre.

Diverse Educational Offerings

The new campus will provide a wide array of A Levels and vocational qualifications. These include courses in:

Art, Design and Photography
Business and Management
Catering and Hospitality
Computing and Digital
Creative Media, Games Design and E-sports
Hair and Beauty
Health and Social Care
Music Technology
Performing Arts
Science

A Collaborative Achievement

Louise Fall, principal and chief executive of City of Wolverhampton College, described the handover as “fantastic news” for current and future learners and staff. She thanked partners for their commitment and support in delivering the facility on schedule. Martin Keys, operational director at contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, praised the “exceptional collaboration” that led to the project’s successful completion, emphasizing its quality and potential to unlock significant opportunities for the community.

The first phase of the City Learning Quarter masterplan, an £8.1 million Advanced Technology and Automotive Centre at the college’s Wellington Road campus, opened to students in September 2024. The move to the new city centre location will also facilitate the redevelopment of the college’s former Paget Road site for much-needed housing.