College marks major milestone as Clegg Building takes shape

A special topping out ceremony marked a major milestone in the construction of the Clegg Building at Hopwood Hall College.

Being built by Willmott Dixon and funded by the Department for Education, Rochdale Council and the college, the landmark development is poised to become a modern and inspiring learning environment in the heart of Rochdale.

The building was visited by Principal and CEO Julia Heap OBE, Rochdale Member of Parliament Paul Waugh, the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Faisal Rana and Iram Faisal, among others.

Members of the family of the late Robert Clegg OBE, in whose honour the new building has been named, joined as special guests for the event.

Robert served as Chair of the Corporation at Hopwood Hall College from 2007 to 2018, making a significant contribution to the college during his time in the role.

He sadly passed away in September 2021.

Robert’s wife Anne, son Richard and daughter Emma attended the ceremony to mark the occasion, with Emma continuing the family’s connection to the college as a current part-time adult learner.

During the ceremony, the team from Willmott Dixon led visitors to the top floor of the structure, which offers sweeping views of the borough, including Rochdale Town Hall and St Chad’s Parish Church.

There was then an opportunity for visitors to leave a message on part of the internal walls in what will now become a permanent record of the occasion.

The Clegg Building will allow students of all ages to begin mastering future skills when it opens in October 2027.

The development is already inspiring current and prospective learners, with school leavers getting an exciting glimpse of the new facility during the college’s Open Events.

Julia Heap OBE, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “This is a very exciting milestone – not just for the college but also the communities we serve.

“The Clegg Building is quickly taking shape and when it opens will allow local people for generations to come to develop the technical skills needed to succeed in their chosen industries.

“This investment represents our commitment to ensuring learners have the very best environment in which to achieve their ambitions and we’re so proud to name it after someone who contributed so much to both our college community and Rochdale as a whole.”

Paul Waugh, Member of Parliament for Rochdale, said: “It’s fantastic to see Hopwood Hall’s newest Rochdale site becoming a reality.

“Thanks to a multi-million-pound investment from the Government, as well as funds from the council and college itself, we will have yet another further and higher education site to make our town proud.

“Local youngsters who want a career in tech or creative industries, in catering or art and design, will from next October have a state-of-the-art facility to combine with Hopwood’s high quality teaching.”

Mike Walmsley, Director Designate at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re really pleased to celebrate such a key milestone alongside our valued project partners, as we continue to make great progress on delivering a new cutting-edge sustainable facility for the college.

“Hopwood Hall College students have been at the heart of this project. So far our team and local supply chain partners have supported the college’s T-Level students through placements and employer-led projects and we’ve delivered 157 weeks of apprenticeships, with more to come. We’re looking forward to working alongside the college and its students as we move forward with this important project.”

Emma Lambert, Robert Clegg’s daughter, said: “It was just wonderful to see the building and be part of such a special milestone.

“We are beyond grateful to the college for helping keep my dad’s name and legacy alive in this way. It really is the most beautiful tribute and he would have been so proud – as, of course, are we.”

ENDS.

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