£20 million support to Level Up Telford (Levelling Up Fund 2)
£20 million from the Levelling Up Fund was allocated to improve education opportunities and boost participation in culture in Telford.
New Sixth Form Centre
Telford College delivers both Further and Higher Education courses from its main site in Wellington which is 5 miles from the Town Centre. Its location has limited public transport connectivity, and this is a key constraint to continuing learners’ participation in further education.
Station Quarter is a major development site which will be transformed over the next 3 years, providing new town centre apartments and townhouses, retail spaces and a state-of-the-art digital skills and enterprise hub, which will provide education and business start-up spaces.
Telford College is a partner in the delivery of the Digital Skills & Enterprise Hub. The relocation and enhancement of Telford College’s Sixth Form provision situated adjacent to the Hub will create a new education ‘campus’. Its location right next to Telford Central train station and a short walk from the bus station will provide access to education opportunities for people from all areas of Telford and beyond.
Councillor Eileen Callear, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Visitor Economy said:
We are delighted to be working in partnership with the college to deliver this facility, with support from the government’s Levelling Up Funding.
The sixth form centre will be in a prime location in Telford town centre and sit alongside the new digital skills centre which is part of the Station Quarter development.
Telford College will be offering brand new A-Level courses at the centre when it opens in September 2025, giving students a wider choice of qualifications, right in the heart of Telford, which will lead to a bright future.
Telford Theatre Remodelling
Levelling Up Funding is enabling Telford Theatre in Oakengates to be largely rebuilt, remodelled and expanded. This will ensure there is a modern theatre in Oakengates for many years to come.
By drawing more people to Oakengates, the aim is to boost both daytime and evening economic activity, participation in culture and stimulate further investment to support the visitor economy in Oakengates and across the Borough.
The Project will deliver:
- upgraded state-of-the-art facilities including a larger main auditorium for bigger and better performances, and modernised backstage facilities for artists
- a separate studio theatre providing a new space for community groups to perform in and a broader cultural programme
- an enhanced visitor experience with a newly transformed foyer, a theatre dining offer and new bar with upgraded amenities for visitors’ comfort, including additional toilets.
- a community art room to provide a dedicated space for community rehearsals and creative activities and collaboration
- sustainability improvements through investment into green technology to significantly reduce the theatre’s carbon footprint
- more space for community events and socialising turning Telford Theatre into a true cultural and social hub
- a new entrance to the theatre at car park level improving access for visitors
Match funding has also been provided by Telford & Wrekin Council and other key partners to enable the projects to be delivered.
Find out more about projects in Telford
Find out more about Levelling Up