A new adult learning hub designed to bring all Stafford-based daytime adult learning provision under one roof has been opened in the town centre by Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG).
A £2.1 million redevelopment has transformed the former NatWest bank building on Greengate Street into NSCG in Town.
The college said the project marks a major milestone in widening participation, supporting lifelong learning and creating new pathways for mature students to gain crucial skills and confidence, while freeing up capacity at the main campus to accommodate school leavers.
Supported by funding from the Department for Education, the three-storey building features purpose-built seminar rooms for collaborative learning, a modern IT suite for digital training, private tutorial spaces, and administrative offices for the NSCG adult education team.
Craig Hodgson, Principal and Chief Executive of NSCG, said: “This acquisition is a key part of our long-term strategy to manage the incredible growth we have seen across all age groups in recent years.
“Not only are we providing a professional, adult-only learning hub that is tailored to mature learners, we are also unlocking capacity on our main campus to accommodate the next generation.
“This new facility ensures every learner in Stafford – whether 16 or 60 – has access to an outstanding learning environment.”
Leigh Ingham, MP for Stafford, Eccleshall and the villages, who championed support from government for the venture, said: “Something like this in our town centre will help even more young people, and crucially, adult learners to access education.
“This project will bring huge benefits to our community, from supporting local businesses and strengthening our high street to creating opportunities for people to learn, train, and build a future right here in Stafford.
“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, Stafford College is the best in the country, so it is no surprise that they continue to grow.”
