In continuing to prioritise student experience and embrace new technologies, Loughborough College has exciting growth plans across its campus, with more than £36m being invested in facilities and three major buildings set to open in the next academic year.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the new East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT), a state-of-the-art sports facility, and a Digital Skills Hub are at the heart of the College’s ambitious growth strategy. These developments will future-proof the education and training of our students, equipping them with cutting-edge skills.
One of the flagship developments, the EMIoT, is part of the wider national Institute of Technology initiative, with a regional partnership based in the East Midlands with Loughborough College, Loughborough University, Derby College, and the University of Derby.
Aimed at addressing the UK’s shortage of digital, engineering, and advanced manufacturing skills, the EMIoT will offer a range of programs aimed at preparing students for careers in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity. Construction began in January with a projected completion date of March 2025. Delivered by construction company Lindum, the £6.5 million development will ensure that its graduates are industry-ready, offering practical, hands-on training and access to pioneering apprenticeship and undergraduate courses in Mechanical, Network, and Sustainable Engineering.
Simultaneously, construction is underway for the much-anticipated sports facility, an exciting addition to the sports curriculum. The facility is designed to support modern training spaces, contemporary classrooms, and new staff areas. This project is the result of a £9.91 million investment from the Department for Education, and the College was one of just 62 further education institutions across the country to be successful in the bid for funding.
In addition to the IoT and new sports facility, the College is also set to break ground on a new Digital Skills Hub, supported by funding from the Loughborough Town Deal. This facility will focus on bridging the digital divide by boosting the skills of students and local businesses with access to the latest in digital technologies.
The Digital Skills Hub will offer specialised training programmes to support people not in employment, education, or training (NEET), plus the delivery of T Levels, apprenticeships, industry placements, and higher technical qualifications to upskill local people for a digitally focused future.
These developments represent a substantial investment in the future of education and skills training, not only for the college but also for the wider region.
With construction already underway for both the IoT and sports facility, and planning well advanced for the Digital Skills Hub, the College is set to become an even more integral part of the region’s educational landscape, preparing the next generation for the evolution of the world of work.