East Coast College has celebrated a major milestone in the redevelopment of its Great Yarmouth Campus with a ceremonial steel signing, marking the start of the structural phase of the project.
The college is one of just 16 across England selected to benefit from the government’s £1.5bn FE Capital Transformative Fund, aimed at modernising further education facilities nationwide.
Delivered by Kier on behalf of the Department for Education, the redevelopment will transform the Great Yarmouth Campus into a cutting-edge learning environment. The new campus will feature a mock hospital ward, digital and media suites, a professional hair and beauty salon, a fully equipped gym and sports centre, a lecture theatre, and a training kitchen and restaurant that replicate real industry settings.
The Steel Signing Ceremony brought together college leaders, governors, students, representatives from Kier and the Department for Education, local councillors, and partner schools. Attendees signed two steel support beams within the new Foundation and Progression learning area. These beams will form part of a model living space that will help learners develop essential life skills for independent living and home management through hands-on experience.
Paul Padda, Principal and Chief Executive at East Coast College, said: “This milestone marks far more than the start of a building’s structure, it represents the future we are creating for our students, our community, and the region’s workforce. The new campus will provide an inspiring, modern environment where learners can develop the skills, confidence, and ambition to thrive in rapidly evolving industries. We are proud to see this vision taking shape and grateful to all of our partners who are helping us deliver this project.”
Chris Lilley, Regional Director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “This event provides an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the expertise, commitment and collaboration of the teams who are involved in delivering this landmark project. The new campus will create a modern, flexible learning environment, offering high-quality teaching facilities that will empower students to reach their full potential, while also delivering lasting benefits for the local community.”
The new gym and sport facilities are scheduled to open to students and the wider community in September 2026. The full redevelopment remains on track for completion ahead of the college welcoming students into the new campus from September 2027.