case study
Newcastle City Learning (Westgate College) – Newcastle City Council
Dome were appointed by Newcastle City Council to carry out a feasibility study for Newcastle City Learning and their property requirements, at their Westgate and Heaton sites in the city.
project
overview
Newcastle City Learning (NCL) operate a 16+ education service from three bases in the city – Westgate College in the West, Heaton Complex in the east and Gosforth Library and Learning Centre in the north.
The social and employment benefits of the NCL service are very significant and Adult Education is a key growth area in the devolution agenda.
As well as supporting residents to move closer to the jobs market and providing opportunities for employment and development, the service can raise residents’ levels of integration, confidence and social skills, tackle issues such as loneliness and isolation; help to build confidence and self-esteem in young learners at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training, and offer support and development opportunities to both young people and adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Both Westgate College and Heaton Complex require investment, and a feasibility study was required to identify NCL’s space requirements and consider options for delivering these – possibly by way of a new build development or via refurbishment of existing premises.
services &
value added
Dome has provided bespoke project and cost management services together with procuring a suitably qualified consultant team to deliver a comprehensive study and options appraisal to the Council and NCL. The sub-consultant team included architecture, building surveying and property agency input. We used our market knowledge and contacts to compile a best-in-class delivery team to the benefit of our client.
We led initial engagement sessions with NCL staff and Council representatives in order to baseline the existing operational requirements and understand any education and timetabling issues that need to be considered. We facilitated access for our building surveying team to undertake condition surveys and provided clear guidance to the property agency team to identify possible alternative sites and consider land value implications.
We are now working closely with the architectural team to develop options for new build or refurbishment prior to Dome developing cost plans and compiling our final report, which will provide the Council and NCL with clear options and costs to take forward to the next stage of the project.
