Construction firm G F Tomlinson has completed The Gateway, a pivotal new facility for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (SLDD) at Nottingham College's Basford campus.

The two-storey, 1,350m² building will open to students in February 2025.

The Gateway features 13 classrooms, a teaching kitchen, a dining area, and ancillary spaces, along with external works to the grounds. The project was procured through Pagabo's Medium Works Framework and marks one of two major developments G F Tomlinson has delivered for the Basford campus this year.

In November, the contractor completed the Construction Skills Centre (CSC), a specialist facility designed to meet growing local demand for skilled trades training.

Both buildings are aligned with the Department for Education’s output specifications and Nottingham College’s sustainability goals, supporting the college’s mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Key sustainability measures in The Gateway include:

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• Installation of 106 photovoltaic panels and four air source heat pumps.

• High-spec insulation to minimise heating needs.

• Water-saving plumbing and tap solutions.

During the project, 774 miles were driven using low-emission vehicles, 79% of labour and 76% of spending was sourced locally within 20 miles, and 1.5 tonnes of waste materials were diverted from landfill.

G F Tomlinson also delivered £2.1 million worth of social value initiatives for the local community. These included:

• Student Engagement: 791 interactions with local students, 187.5 hours of work experience placements, and 48 apprentice weeks, equivalent to 1,804 hours.

• Community Contributions: Donations of £300 worth of essential food items to the Remar Nottingham Community Kitchen Foodbank, in partnership with local SMEs such as Eastledge Ltd and Vision Joinery Ltd.

• Career Development: Site visits, newsletters, and career talks for Nottingham College students.

Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said: "Building on our extensive experience within the Education sector, we’re pleased to have completed two pivotal educational schemes for Nottingham College, procured through the Pagabo National Framework for Medium Works.

"The Gateway will provide much-needed facilities to support the learning and development of SLDD students at the Basford campus, and alongside the Construction Skills Centre (CSC), we're delighted to have played a critical role in bringing these landmark buildings to fruition."