Salford’s new University Technical College (UTC) at MediaCityUK has taken a major step forward with the selection of BAM Construction for the £10.4 million design and build contract. The proposed UTC@MediaCityUK, as it would be known, will specialise in the creative and digital industries with a direct link to the industry, giving the 14-19 year old students from Greater Manchester the chance to work with employers in MediaCityUK. UTC Project Manager Abigail Williams said: “UTC@MediaCityUK will provide outstanding opportunities for young people to develop skills in the digital and media industries and we believe that this new college will deliver the right facilities and environment to foster our students’ ambitions”. BAM construction’s bid manager, Adrian Blackie said: “UTC@MediaCityUK is a fantastic and exciting project to be involved with due to the specific areas of specialisation it will offer, and we are delighted to have been selected. We have developed excellent relationships with the sponsors and look forward to working with them to deliver this impressive purpose built UTC to serve the Greater Manchester region. Architect IBI Taylor Young is working on designs for the 6,200 sq m building which will accommodate the industries’ specific requirements and include state-of-the-art TV and Radio studios, as well as Interactive Media and Gaming studios. The ICT rich learning environment will enable students to gain a broad range of technical media skills and hands-on experience. The core curriculum learning spaces will enable leading edge teaching methods, underpinned by ICT, to meet the learning needs of students undertaking GCSE, A Level and BTEC qualifications, which will include English, Maths, the Sciences, languages, and History and Geography.
Jon Corner CEO at The Landing said " The UTC is uniquely placed at MediaCityUK for students to experience where 21st century media technology is heading. We look forward to opening our doors at The Landing to the talent of the future." Proposed to be located at the junction of South Langworthy Road and Broadway, the four-storey college building design will complement the architectural style of MediaCityUK. The building will make best use of the site by providing four distinctive outdoor learning zones – the arrival space at the front, the ‘urban’ teaching area adjacent the Metrolink, the ‘wildlife’ garden space adjacent to the studio ‘black box’, and the informal teaching area to the rear. Stephen Wild, managing director of MediaCityUK said: "The development of the UTC is another exciting chapter for MediaCityUK. Fusing academia with business is key to growing a thriving city and therefore we look forward to welcoming the students and seeing how they benefit from the opportunities that MediaCityUK presents". Supported by the Department of Education and funded by the Education Funding Agency the UTC@MediaCityUK is sponsored by a comprehensive network of partners led by The Aldridge Foundation, The University of Salford, Salford City College and The Lowry. The design and build team includes architect IBI Taylor Young, civil and structural engineers Curtins, building services consultant Ramboll, landscape architect Planit IE and interior designer Space Zero. Consultation on the new UTC began in early May and is due to close on Friday (12th July). Subject to Funding Agreement from the Department for Education and planning permission being granted, work would start on site in October 2013 with completion set for the autumn in-take of students in 2014.
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