The Quad - a digital skills & enterprise hub

The Quad will be the first phase in Telford & Wrekin Council's wider masterplan for Station Quarter. The masterplan aims to provide a new residential-led, mixed-use regeneration project that will deliver high-quality homes, access to education opportunities and a range hospitality and leisure spaces. The goal is to create an active destination where people can live, learn, work and relax.

We have already completed the enabling works for the entire Station Quarter site, and are now in the process of delivering the digital skills & enterprise hub, The Quad.

Providing spaces for education, upskilling and start-ups

The five-storey hub’s purpose is to provide a combined education and business offering, with shared spaces and start-up offices, as well as a new base for Telford College and Harper Adams University.

Telford College will be utilising the space to provide 200 students aged 16 to 18 with learning opportunities, while Harper Adams University will offer a range of degrees, including Applied Data Science, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics, Engineering Business Management, and Digital Manufacturing.

The vision for The Quad is that it will attract and retain young people, upskill people of all ages in the fields of maths and digital, and support businesses to grow.

Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“The Quad brings enterprise, focusing particularly on start-up businesses, and education together – which is the perfect partnership as educating and training the next generation and bridging the skills gap is crucial for the future of so many sectors.

“The wider site also marks a new chapter for Telford by creating a more accessible, cohesive, and vibrant town centre that supports the council’s carbon neutral by 2030 pledge. The Quad contributes to this, including sustainable elements such as solar PV panels and no gas on site.

“As with all our schemes, we aim to leave a positive lasting impact on the communities we work within. Throughout this project, we will be delivering a range of initiatives that focus on providing employment and educational opportunities to students in the area; something that is particularly topical given the nature of the building.”

Councillor Lee Carter (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Cabinet Member for Place (The Economy& Neighbourhood Services), said:

"The Quad signifies aground-breaking collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council, Telford College, Harper Adams University, and other partners. It's going to be a transformative space that bridges education and industry, creating opportunities for learning, innovation, and business growth."

“With more than 300 students a year expected to attend when The Quad opens its doors in September, it will not only offer pathways and opportunities for students already engaged in education and training, it will also offer advice and inspiration for those who may not have considered further training or upskilling.”

Ken Sloan, Vice Chancellor and CEO of Harper Adams University, added:

"As a forward-thinking institution, Harper Adams University is thrilled to be part of The Quad. Our degree programmes in Applied Data Science, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronic Engineering, and Digital Business Management which will align closely with industry needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the digital landscape."

Graham Guest, Principal and CEO of Telford College, said:

“Our investment in Station Quarter is a unique alliance between industry and education, delivering upskilling programmes which employers are asking us for. We are elevating aspirations, shaping our future workforce, and equipping people for careers inspectors such as cybersecurity, AI and robotics, virtual and augmented reality, cloud computing, wireless technologies, 5G innovation, and so much more."

Graham Wynn, Chair of Telford Towns Fund Board, added:

“The Quad is a significant asset for our town centre. Its development is a testament to partner collaboration, creating a dynamic ecosystem for education, innovation, and economic development. With business support services and flexible enterprise incubator accommodation, it will also be a magnet for digital enterprises to establish and expand in Telford.”