Galliford Try has handed over Merrist Wood College and University Centre on behalf of education and training group Activate Learning, and the Department for Education.

The new facility, which provides approximately 1,700 student places, introduces cutting-edge teaching and learning spaces to the land-based campus, including two contemporary teaching buildings and a large, purpose-built specialist greenhouse. Funded through the £1.5bn Further Education Capital Transformation Fund, the project is designed to broaden the college's curriculum and forms a key part of efforts to upgrade and modernise further education for post-16 learners.

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Set within a 400-acre estate of woodland and working farmland, the scheme also delivers an equine science classroom, a commercial greenhouse, dedicated design, technology and arboriculture rooms, and generous external workshop areas configured to handle heavy machinery such as tractors, quad bikes and mowers.

The buildings will feature immersive digital technologies to support more flexible and innovative teaching methods, helping to create a contemporary and inspiring environment for learners. The final phase of demolition works is now underway.

Gavin Bridge, Managing Director for Galliford Try Building Southern, commented: "This unique new facility brings together cutting‑edge learning spaces, immersive digital technology and a natural environment to support the next generation of land‑based professionals. It stands as a testament to what collaborative ambition and investment in education can achieve and this handover marks a proud moment for everyone involved."