Mayor for York and North Yorkshire David Skaith has been given a first look at work to create Harrogate College’s £22m new campus.
The Mayor for York and North Yorkshire inspected the groundworks for the development, which will involve replacing the main teaching building and creating a new technology centre, during a visit to the Hornbeam Park site.
The new-look college will include a full digital technology suite, including a VR (Virtual Reality) room, a replica mock hospital ward, an electric vehicle workshop, an advanced construction centre, and a standalone renewable energy technology centre.
David Skaith said:
“Harrogate College plays a crucial role in giving our young people the skills they need to stay and thrive in York and North Yorkshire. So, when the college’s £22 million rebuild project was threatened by a legal challenge, I brought together local politicians and organisations to push for an extension to the funding.”
The mayor, alongside other local stakeholders, supported Harrogate College in securing an extension to the funding necessary to complete the rebuild when the project faced planning delays last year.
“It was great to see the work take shape. This will mean that Harrogate College will have the best facilities to deliver the education and training that students and businesses need for years to come.”
Based at Hornbeam Park, the college already provides training aligned to many of the region’s priority sectors, including creative, digital, hospitality, health, construction, professional services, and renewable energy.
Mr Skaith was welcomed by Harrogate College Principal, Danny Wild, who outlined how the new industry-standard facilities will strengthen skills provision across the region and support local employers in key growth sectors.
Mr Wild said:
“I’m extremely grateful for the support shown by the mayor in securing this vital rebuild that will benefit young people across the region.
"These purpose-built facilities will enable us to expand the breadth and quality of our provision, support new and growing industries, and continue working closely with employers to deliver the skills York and North Yorkshire need for the future.”
Supported by £20m of Department for Education funding and £2m from Luminate Education Group, the rebuild is being delivered by Caddick Construction and is expected to be completed in time for the 2026/27 academic year.
Regional Managing Director for Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, Steve Ford, said:
“It was a privilege to join Harrogate College and Luminate Education Group in welcoming the mayor to site to see the progress being made on the £22m rebuild.
“Following on from the success of the new Pudsey Sixth Form College, the investment at Harrogate will enhance the opportunity for students to learn vital new skills and explore exciting new career paths as the region’s future workforce.
“We’re very proud to be bringing this educational space to life and helping the college expand its support for young people’s education now and in the future.”
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