Scarborough Group International (SGI) has submitted plans for a new 1,000-place post-16 college at Thorpe Park Leeds.
SGI, through its subsidiary Thorpe Park Developments, is bringing forward the circa 90,000 sq ft, four-storey facility in partnership with Delta Academies Trust.
Subject to planning and Department for Education approvals, Delta will relocate its existing post-16 provision at Garforth Academy to the new purpose-built facility. The relocation will also release space at the academy for its 11 to 16 provision, allowing existing facilities to be repurposed and supporting wider improvements across the school.
Adam Varley, development director at Scarborough Group International, said: “There’s something really compelling about giving young people the opportunity to take their next step in a place like Thorpe Park. They would be surrounded by businesses of all sizes and sectors, seeing first-hand the breadth of careers available to them and, importantly, having opportunities to build those connections before they leave post-16 education.
“For the businesses already here, and those we hope to attract in the future, there’s an equally exciting opportunity to engage with emerging talent, share skills and experience and help young people understand where their studies could take them. That relationship has the potential to be incredibly valuable on both sides.
“Submitting the planning application brings that vision a step closer. It would also introduce something completely new to Thorpe Park, adding to the mix of people and uses here and bringing another generation into the life of the Park. We’ve had some really constructive feedback through the consultation and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to get involved. We’ll continue that dialogue as the application moves forward.”
Andy Barnett, CEO of Delta Academies Trust, added: “The submission of this planning application represents an exciting milestone in our plans to establish Thorpe Park College and provide more high quality educational opportunities for young people in Leeds. At Delta Academies Trust, we are committed to creating ambitious, inclusive learning environments where every young person can achieve their full potential.
“Thorpe Park College is a significant investment in the future of local families, providing students with an inspiring setting in which to learn, grow and prepare for the opportunities ahead. We believe these proposals have the potential to make a lasting contribution to the local community and to the wider educational landscape across Leeds. We look forward to engaging with the local community and stakeholders as the planning process progresses.”
The wider project team includes AHR, Zerum, Mosodi, BWF, Buro Happold, Ares and Willmott Dixon.
