New building is a game changer for King Edward VI College

Hundreds of creative arts students are taking inspiration from their new surroundings after moving to a refurbished building in Nuneaton town centre.

Over 420 creative arts students from sixth form education provider King Edward VI College are studying for their A-levels or vocational qualifications in the vast first floor accommodation in the Ropewalk Shopping Centre.

The funding for the refurbishment and conversion of the retail space was part of the Government’s Towns Fund programme.

This is part of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Queens Road development and the Council has overseen the transformation of the 11,000 sq ft accommodation, which is above the former Woolworths store, into modern, flexible space for a range of potential uses.

The result is a bright, vibrant hub for the students to enjoy their courses which range from drama and photography to media and film studies.

A new entrance has been created for the W Building near The Fragrance Shop to reach the first-floor classrooms, conference and meeting spaces, specialist music recording studio and drama performance space.

Potential students and the public will be able to see the new home of King Edward VI College creative arts students at an open day between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Saturday, November 19.

An open evening aimed at new students for all subjects will take place between 3.30pm and 8pm on Thursday, November 17 at King Edward VI College’s main site in King Edward Road, Nuneaton.

Cllr Richard Smith, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regulation at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “It is great to see this building, out of use for so long, now with a new purpose and filled with life. We know our town centres need to change, like others around the country, offering a wider range of activity to bring a more diverse mix of people together to use the space available.

“The important thing is that this is one of a handful of changes coming to fruition this year, but they are just the start. Our ambition is to transform Nuneaton town centre to help realise our goal of making this borough a great place to live, work and visit.”

Caption: Stuart Noss from King Edward VI College (left) welcomes Cllr Richard Smith from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council

Stuart Noss, Principal of King Edward VI College, said: “The opening of our new building in Nuneaton town centre is a game changer for the college.

“With our main King Edward Road site struggling to accommodate the growing demand for places at the college, the W building provides a vibrant, modern, education focused space in which our young people can thrive.

“For the first time the college can not only meet demand but work towards delivering more innovation and opportunity to the town. It is an exciting time to be a part of this fantastic town redevelopment.”

Sean Farnell, Chair of the Nuneaton Town Deal Board, added: “The Creative Arts Hub is a wonderful welcoming space which is sure to inspire students to produce a wide variety of work in such a diverse area.

“It is fantastic the funding is making such a different to students in the town as well as the look of the town centre itself as we aim to encourage more people to study, live and work in Nuneaton.”

Students or members of the public interested in attending the open days can simply turn up although booking is required to watch a presentation from the Principal by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ke6-november-open-events-tickets-428551668577