Great outlook from college rooftop

Historic Grade II listed marine workshops at Railway Quay, Newhaven, are being converted to provide an iconic home for UTC@harbourside.

Professor Andrew Lloyd, Dean of the College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences, said: “I am delighted that the University of Brighton has been able to partner with the Aldridge Foundation, Lewes District Council and Veolia Environmental Ltd to deliver this new high-quality educational establishment in Newhaven.

“In providing an inspirational learning environment which promotes hands-on project-based learning, this UTC will not only cater for a wider range of young people wishing to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics as a gateway to future employment and/or university across a wide range of subject areas but will, through partnership with the growing number of marine, environmental and other engineering companies, provide a strong future workforce for the region.

Left to right Dr Mark Jones, Academic Director; Jonathan Clarke, UTC Principal Designate, and Professor Lloyd

Sponsors and dignitaries at the topping out ceremony

“This will undoubtedly support the regeneration of Newhaven through raising achievement, attainment, confidence and expectations of young people and fuel the development of other employment opportunities and inward investment in the town.”

Leader of Lewes District Council, Councillor Rob Blackman said: "We are delighted that the University of Brighton, the Aldridge Foundation, Lewes District Council and Veolia have been able to deliver this new educational establishment, a UTC, through our partnership.

“UTC@harbourside is a perfect example of how the shared clout of business, education and the public sector can combine for the benefit of the wider community. In providing an inspirational learning environment in Newhaven, in partnership with the growing number of marine, environmental and other engineering companies in the region, we will help provide a great future workforce of talented young people from our area and contribute to the prosperity of the town and the wider region.''

Work on the site, being carried out by Kier Construction, will fit out the inside of the three-storey building with state-of-the-art science, engineering and computer laboratories to create a habitat zone on the roof.

UTC, which opens 7 September, will offer academic and technical education for 14-18 year olds in Sussex in science, technology, engineering, maths and computer science.