Replacing ageing facilities with a Net Zero Carbon in operation campus for Further and Higher Education
Willmott Dixon has been appointed by the Department for Education to deliver a £39 million redevelopment at the heart of Hopwood Hall College’s Rochdale campus. Procured through the DfE Construction Framework, the scheme replaces ageing college buildings with a modern four-storey teaching block on St Marys Gate – and creates a striking new main entrance that becomes the front door to the campus in Rochdale town centre.
The project marks a genuine milestone for the borough. For the first time, Hopwood Hall College will offer Higher Education provision in Rochdale alongside its established Further Education courses, allowing more learners to study, train and progress in their home town. The college has educated generations of students across its Rochdale and Middleton campuses since 1947.
What we are delivering
Designed around the learner experience, the new 7,051m² building brings specialist teaching accommodation together under one roof:
- A new four-storey teaching block and main campus entrance fronting Rochdale town centre.
- Specialist facilities for Art & Design, IT, computer gaming and hair and beauty.
- A dedicated lecture theatre and teaching spaces for Higher Education level courses.
- Net Zero Carbon in operation design, using photovoltaics, air source heat pumps and a hybrid ventilation strategy.
- Reconfigured car parking, improved site access and new public realm works that knit the building into the town centre.
Delivered on a live, town-centre campus
The building is being constructed on a working campus in the middle of Rochdale, where careful phasing, logistics and stakeholder engagement keep teaching and daily college life running throughout. It is a setting Willmott Dixon knows well: the scheme adds to a growing portfolio of education projects delivered with the Department for Education, including the net zero carbon in operation Tarleton Academy near Preston, Brian Clarke Academy in Oldham, and the ongoing Wigan & Leigh College redevelopment.
A sustainable building and a lasting skills legacy
Sustainability sits at the core of the design, with the building targeting Net Zero Carbon in operation – an increasingly important benchmark for education estates managing long-term running costs and carbon. Just as important is the social legacy. Building on a five-year relationship with the college, Willmott Dixon is already supporting four students on T-Level placements and will create 15 apprenticeships and 20 work placements during construction. Its Building Lives Academy will give learners from the college’s Advanced Technology and Construction Centre site visits, mock interviews, mentoring and work experience, while local supply chain partners prioritise employment for Rochdale residents facing barriers to work.
“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.”
Michael Poole-Sutherland, Operations Director, Willmott Dixon (North West)
“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.”
Julia Heap OBE, Principal and CEO, Hopwood Hall College