Construction has begun on a major redevelopment project at Isle of Wight College, with Wates Group leading the delivery of a new Welcome Hub designed to modernise the campus and expand vocational training opportunities.

The two-storey development will create a new entrance for the college and include purpose-built teaching spaces for performing arts, hospitality, and travel and tourism courses.

The project places a strong emphasis on supporting the Isle of Wight's hospitality and visitor economy sectors. Plans for the new building include industry-standard training kitchens, hybrid learning environments, and a public-facing training restaurant where students will gain hands-on experience in a live working setting while serving customers from the wider community.

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Sustainability measures have been integrated throughout the scheme, including green roofs, solar panels, rain gardens, and sustainable drainage systems. Existing materials from the site will also be reused where possible to minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Alongside the construction work, Wates has announced community initiatives aimed at delivering social value across the island. The company has sponsored the Newport Under-12s football team, while the Wates Family Enterprise Trust has awarded a £5,000 grant to support the Isle of Wight Foodbank.

Mark Craig, Regional Managing Director for Construction South at Wates said: "We're proud to deliver state-of-the-art educational facilities on the Isle of Wight, reinforcing our trusted partnership with the Department for Education and our commitment to creating inspiring spaces to empower young people.

"Through this project, we're focused on generating lasting social value, supporting local families, and building strong community relationships that endure long after the project is complete."

The redevelopment will be carried out in two phases, with completion scheduled for 2028.