Works are underway to transform the former Stevenage Indoor Market into a new Town Centre Campus for North Hertfordshire College (NHC), replacing the existing Engineering and Construction campus at Fulton Close. The 3,600 sq m facility sits at the heart of the town's wider regeneration and is positioned to grow skills capacity for the construction and motor vehicle sectors.

Backed by the UK Government's Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board, the purpose-built site will provide dedicated study space for students, apprentices and adult learners. The design includes specialist bays for motor vehicle and construction trades to support current and emerging industry requirements and strengthen the talent pipeline for employers.

The adjacent multi-storey car park on St George's Way is unaffected and is not included in the project scope.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, comments: "The relocation of students into this brand new campus ensures that key trades continue to be taught in Stevenage. By investing in spaces such as this, learners of all ages will gain the skills and qualifications needed to support the town's industries. And having a lot more people in the town centre every day supports our local economy and helps our town centre to thrive."

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RG Carter has been appointed as contractor, with completion expected by Summer 2026. The council describes the project as a key element of town centre diversification and a catalyst for increased daily footfall and spend.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, added: "The transformation of this space forms part of the wider regeneration of the town centre and forms a key part of diversifying its uses. The continuing evolution of the town centre presents opportunities for our communities and businesses and builds on the changes that have already been delivered. By working in collaboration with our partners, we are strengthening the town centre for this and future generations."

Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College said: "All of us at NHC are incredibly excited to move into the new Town Centre Campus. We're grateful for the opportunity to invest further in our students' development, which will secure the delivery of essential skills within this priority sector. Not only will this contribute to bridging skills gaps in Hertfordshire, but will also support the trade skills pipeline locally and regionally. Being based in the town centre, our students will have access to the fantastic array of local businesses and will strengthen our relationships with the local Stevenage community. We hope this new site will not only help us generate the future construction and motor vehicle workforce but boost the local economy."

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board and the Hertfordshire Futures Main Board and Skills Board, said: "I am truly delighted to see that North Herts College are taking a further step forward in bringing their facilities closer to the heart of our Town following the development of SITEC Phase 1 for Life Sciences and truly looking forward to the launch of SITEC Phase 2 for Advanced Manufacturing in the Town.

"These amendments encourage a greater use of the Towns facilities and a fabulous alternative use of our Market facilities now moved to an area with far greater access. The amendments and combinations create a 21st century use of the Towns new facilities."