for the Ministry of Defence

This flagship PFI project replaced the Army's Sixth Form Welbeck College.

The residential college, with its capacity for some 340 students, combines academic excellence with leadership and physical fitness training.  The MoD aims to attract the highest calibre of students, who, after studying A levels in science, engineering and other technical subjects, progress to university and enjoy successful careers in the armed forces or defence civil service.

The project comprises new buildings in three parts, running east to west along the linear site, with a vast expanse of sports pitches to the north.  At the western end, five three-storey student accommodation blocks are grouped around landscaped courtyards.  A central forum contains the main multi-functional college hall, catering, student clubs, learning resource centre, medical and administration wings.  To the east, the two-storey curved teaching wing contains classrooms, laboratories, workshops, stores and indoor sports facilities comprising squash courts and a 25m swimming pool.

The project was delivered under the private finance initiative by the Interserve-led Minerva Consortium.

Procurement Route:  PFI

Sector:  Defence / Education

Value:  £37 million

 Return to Strategic Projects