Industry celebrates new college construction campus

North Hertfordshire College’s new Town Centre Campus forms part of the council’s wider plans to regenerate the town centre.

Developed in collaboration with Stevenage Borough Council, RG Carter Construction, MAC Consulting Ltd, and Saunders Architects, the College has created a dedicated, industry-standard space for students, apprentices, and adult learners to gain key construction trade and motor vehicle skills. The new site will contribute to bridging skills gaps within these priority sectors in Hertfordshire, while also supporting the trade skills pipeline locally and nationally.

The project to redevelop the former indoor market site situated within the town commenced at the end of November 2025 and was complete and ready for students starting their new academic year in September 2026.

This new facility has been made possible with investment from the national Government’s Towns Fund, secured by Stevenage Borough Council and the Stevenage Development Board.

Stevenage Borough Council and North Hertfordshire College invited partners and organisations such as Kevin Bonavia MP, Stevenage Development Board, Hertfordshire Futures, Institute of the Motor Industry, Department for Work and Pensions, University of Hertfordshire, CITB, and Hertfordshire County Council to the official launch of their new Town Centre Campus.

Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, Richard Henry commented: “It’s fantastic to see the new North Hertfordshire College Town Centre Campus opening at the former indoor market site. This new facility will provide students with a great place to study, equipping them with important skills for their future in securing local jobs in key construction industries. Not only that, but while helping to bridge the gap in skills it brings students into the town centre, encouraging important footfall, investing in our local economy and our high street businesses too.”

Kit Davies, Principal and CEO of North Hertfordshire College added: “The launch of our new Town Centre Campus reflects North Hertfordshire College’s mission to be an anchor institution built on productive partnerships and collaborative relationships with stakeholders. We work together to provide a skilled workforce that meets the current and projected skills needs of employers whilst supporting the regional economy.

“The launch event was a fantastic way to showcase how the new space aligns curriculum delivery with the skills needed in Hertfordshire’s construction trades and motor vehicle industries.

“I’d like to thank Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Development Board for providing the opportunity to invest further in our students’ development, which will secure the delivery of essential skills within this priority sector.”

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, Adrian Hawkins OBE said: "The improvement and relocation of our FE College facilities have remained significant to our Towns Fund plan and today marks another significant step towards achieving our goal for the residents and businesses based locally.

"Our desire to make “Stevenage Even Better” does not just rest with roads and infrastructure, but very much with facilities such as leisure and today here and now, skills development. The more we can develop skills and education, the more we can develop income. A factor vital to everyone wherever you are in the world.

"Over the past 16 years as Chair of Hertfordshire Skills I have been proud to provide my full support for Kit Davies and his wonderful team, as they remain focused on SITEC, as we work towards developing Stevenage Innovation and Technology as a part of North Herts College in the County of Opportunity.

"The arrival of this new facility, fully supported by Stevenage Borough Council, is at a time when construction activity increases dramatically which is helping us all to create a positive and brighter future for everyone locally."