Willmott Dixon has been chosen by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver a £39 million block replacement at Hopwood Hall College's Rochdale campus, secured through the DfE Construction Framework.

The scheme will involve demolishing 70,000 sq ft of existing buildings and constructing a new four-storey, 75,000 sq ft facility on the St Marys Gate campus. The development will introduce Higher Education provision to Rochdale for the first time, sitting alongside the college's existing Further Education offer.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the building will feature photovoltaics, air source heat pumps and a hybrid ventilation strategy to harness renewable energy and reduce on-site consumption. Work is due to begin imminently, with completion planned for late 2028.

Michael Poole-Sutherland, Operations Director at Willmott Dixon in the North West, said: "We're delighted to be working with the Department for Education and Hopwood Hall College on this significant investment in further education infrastructure for Greater Manchester. This project represents everything we stand for - delivering brilliant buildings that transform lives and strengthen communities. We have been supporting and creating opportunities for Hopwood Hall College students for the past five years and we're thrilled to continue to work together to create a lasting legacy in Rochdale."

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Julia Heap OBE, Principal and CEO at Hopwood Hall College, said: "We're thrilled to be working alongside Willmott Dixon as we develop a brand-new block at our Rochdale Campus. This building will be a hub for learners of all ages, ensuring they're able to thrive through expert training delivered in the heart of Rochdale. Willmott Dixon is a great partner for this project and it's brilliant to work alongside a team who share our passion for transforming lives.

"Their commitment to offering T Level placements is just one of the ways we've already joined forces to provide opportunities for young people across the borough and beyond."

Willmott Dixon is already supporting four Hopwood Hall College students on T Level industry placements. The project will also create 15 apprenticeships and 20 work placement opportunities, and the company will run its Building Lives Academy to provide site visits, mock interviews, placements and mentoring, while prioritising jobs for Rochdale residents facing barriers to employment.