Part of the £20 million government-funded Sheerness Revival project, put together by Swale Borough Council, the extension of EKC Sheppey College has taken one step closer to fruition.
A ceremony took place at the college in Bridge Road on the Isle of Sheppey, with members of the council, chosen contractors Jenners Contractors Ltd and other stakeholders delivering the project invited to attend.
Marking the first milestone of the project, EKC Group’s chief executive officer Graham Razey turned the first sod of ground which will soon be home to the college’s extension.
Offering an additional 900 square meters of educational space for learners to explore a wider range of courses that have been aligned with local skills needs, the new programmes in creative, engineering and logistics will leave learners well-equipped to achieve their ambitions in the career of their choice on the Isle of Sheppey and beyond.
Graham Razey said: “Our ambition is to allow young people to stay on the island to train. We’re hoping that when they finish their secondary education, they will come and study here in these facilities and then gain jobs on the island.
“Hopefully, this project will bring more students, and the new disciplines mean we’ll be looking for staff in the creative industries and teachers of engineering.”
The college extension is part of Swale Borough Council’s Sheerness Revival Project, which has been funded by the UK government. The project aims to improve the health, leisure, education and employment opportunities on the Isle of Sheppey.
The three distinct elements of the project are to expand EKC Sheppey College, to renovate the leisure centre at Beachfields, including upgrades to the GP Practice, and to create business units for young entrepreneurs at Masters House.
Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of Swale Borough Council’s Property and Regeneration Committee, said: “It was amazing to see the hard work we have put into Sheerness Revival, with our partners, take such a tangible step forward.
“This groundbreaking event marked just the beginning of what will turn out to be such an important asset for the Isle of Sheppey.
“Education is one of the best ways to improve children’s outcomes. That is why the college extension is such an integral part of our plans to make a positive and long-lasting impact on the island.
“Our regeneration project is really picking up steam. Soon, works will begin at the leisure centre and Masters House. This is truly becoming an exciting time for Sheerness.”
