Advanced Project Notice Manufacturing, Technology and Skills Centre

Currently Weston College are preparing an application for capital funds via the OfS [Capital funding for financial year 2025 to 2026 - Office for Students]. The refurbishment project will establish a Manufacturing Technology Skills Centre based in redundant manufacturing building [01AB] on the main Airbus site at Aerospace Avenue, Filton.

A package of enabling works was undertaken in late 2024. Due to project funding constraints, the work is currently suspended. During the enabling works, asbestos was removed which will allow the refurbishment works to proceed without delay. Planning consent [PF24/01823/F] for change of use to establish an Apprenticeship College was granted by South Gloucestershire Council on 28 October 2024. To allow the fast-track refurbishment scheme to proceed without delay an updated access agreement with the landlord [Airbus] will be concluded in early October 2025.

This will be a multi-phase fit out project that will be delivered to allow the college to seek additional funding for the subsequent phases. The initial fit out will comprise of 1522 m2. Equipment specified and delivered for safe storage at Weston College [during the previous OfS grant ward] will be installed prior to the first phase centre being opened for the for students in Sept 2026.