This project will create a three-storey 116,000 sq ft learning facility beside the college’s existing Parsons Walk Campus where over 3,400 students study every day.

Procured using the Department for Education construction framework, the project will aim to achieve a 40% biodiversity net gain and use photovoltaic solar panels to harness renewable energy.

Construction will follow the phased demolition of the current School of Arts Building, where the new building will be located, with the existing college building and tower blocks demolished once the project is completed in 2027.

Howard Stott Demolition will carry out the clearance works, while Dodd Group is understood to be on board for the M&E work.

Architect Bond Bryan designed the new campus building with mechanical and electrical consultant TACE

The development follows a similar NCZiO school, the firm completed last year for the DfE called Tarleton Academy in Preston. Willmott Dixon is also now on-site building Bridgend College Town Centre Campus, which is also set to be NZCiO.

Michael Poole-Sutherland, director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said the firms would create 200 weeks of apprenticeships, support 15 T-level placements, deliver 180 weeks of work experience and engage hundreds of local students.