The development creates a single flagship base for West Herts College serving some 3,400 full-time and 2,300 part-time students, plus 400 staff (among nearly 1,000 employees).  No more than c.2,000 students are on campus at any one time due to timetabling split.  In total in 2010/11, the college will serve c.11,400 students – across three campuses, some 36 community venues and in many workplaces.

Facilities, resources and design position the building at the very forefront of educational provision.

Public access to the new campus sets new standards for shared use of spaces and resources, and encourages community-college integration.

The college currently operates from several existing campus locations, some of which will close as part of a planned process.

A wide range of vocational subjects (ie skills for jobs) are taught to 16- to 19-year-olds.  Adults attend for professional and recreational classes, mostly in weekday evenings. 

The development budget of £70 million has been found from capital, site disposals, a bank loan and a grant from the Learning & Skills Council.  None of the funding has placed any burden on local taxpayers.

Site plan