Hadlow College’s ambitious redevelopment plans are well on schedule for completion in December 2009. The college, which is one of the leading land-based institutions, embarked on the £55 million capital investment programme to transform its facilities in three phases to ensure that the institution is ready for the challenging times ahead.
With environmental issues becoming increasingly important, Hadlow College believes that the land-based sector will be called on to satisfy the need for UK-produced food. “People of all ages and from all walks of life are increasingly responding to what is becoming recognised as a fight to save our planet,” said a statement from the college. “Consumers, whether they use small shops or do most of their food shopping in a major supermarket, are demanding more UK-produced food. The land-based sector must respond. It must be prepared to deal with emerging problems that demand innovative thinking, new skills and world class education and training.”
The first phase of the construction project comprises the replacement of old mobile buildings and redundant 60-year-old farm buildings to build Animal Care and Garrad House, which is currently under construction. The redevelopment of the college’s central site in the second phase will follow where it will be transformed into a world-class teaching facility with farm developments and a new learning resource centre. The third phase will consist of work to the nursery and landscape design school.
