Leicester College has received planning consent to build a new, state-of-the-art aeronautical and advanced technological education and training facility at its Abbey Park Campus in the city. The new facility will enable the College to deliver Level 4 and 5 technical skills programmes. The build is due for completion by May 2025.
Leicester City Council has approved the design of the two-storey building, which will house industry standard aeronautical and space specialist equipment and machinery, including wind tunnels, turbo jet trainers and flight simulators. The new facility will be used to support and inspire the next generation of aviation and space engineering professionals.
The new 800 square metre building will house workshop, propulsion, aerodynamic, avionic and instrumentation laboratories and collaborative working spaces.
The new aeronautical skills centre is funded by money secured via a successful grant application to the Office for Students.
The development will enable Leicester College to support the wide regional network of employers and stakeholders involved in the aeronautical and aerospace industries and build a skilled workforce for the future. It is predicted that England will need more than 10,000 additional aerospace engineers by 2033.
Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO of Leicester College, said: “We’re delighted to get the green light on the construction of the new aeronautical skills centre. When completed, the site will house industry-standard aeronautical equipment in a learning environment that will inspire the next generation of aviation and engineering professionals.”
