Harrogate College has been given the go-ahead from the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Planning Committee to proceed with a £22m campus rebuild. The plans were passed unopposed by councillors.
In addition to a new state-of-the-art main campus building, the planned facilities also include a renewable energy technology centre.
Harrogate College is undertaking this rebuild to strengthen its ability to offer cutting-edge courses in priority growth sectors for Harrogate and the wider North Yorkshire region, including advanced manufacturing, low carbon construction, retrofit, sustainable energy, health science, and hospitality.
The improved facilities that learners will benefit from include a mock hospital ward, a digital technology suite, an electric vehicle workshop, and a construction centre focused on modern building methods.
Harrogate College are now awaiting written confirmation from the council before commencing the project.
Harrogate College’s principal, Danny Wild, said: “It is immensely pleasing to have now secured planning permission to pursue this forward-looking, innovative and value for money investment into Harrogate’s educational infrastructure.
“We are now awaiting written confirmation from the local authority to proceed with Harrogate College’s rebuild.
“The new campus will enable increased breadth and quality within the curriculum on offer at the college, allowing us to better support local and regional skills needs. As the only general further education college in the area, I’m excited to see the benefits these new facilities will bring local young people, adults and the economy.”
David Skaith, mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “Everyone in our region should have the chance to thrive – that means connecting our communities to the opportunities that matter. Harrogate College’s redevelopment marks a big investment for the future of our region, giving people the skills and training needed for tomorrow’s jobs and helping our local economy grow.”
Construction is due to begin on the rebuild in the coming months, with the new buildings set to open their doors to students in the 2026 academic year.
