Youngsters get first look at South Essex College's £9m Basildon campus

The college has been unable to officially welcome students to the brand new Centre for Digital Technologies, in Basildon town centre, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But youngsters interested in studying at the campus, along with their parents, were treated to a virtual tour of the £9million building and course leaders held live discussions.

Angela O’Donoghue, principal and chief executive at South Essex College, felt the event was a hit.

She said: “The virtual open event was a great success.

“Lots of people attended and the IT, animation and games subject talks were very busy with lots of people asking questions.

State-of-the-art - the Centre for Digital Technologies cost £9million to build

“We hope to be able to welcome students on campus as soon as government restrictions allow so everyone can see our wonderful new Centre for Digital Technologies.”

The Centre for Digital Technologies houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for students on courses with a technological focus, such as IT networking, app development, games design and animation.

The three-storey project has been built on the previous Basildon Market site after South Essex College forged a partnership with Basildon Council and Homes England.

Parts of the building have been modelled on technology sector offices, allowing students to experience what it would be like to work in the industry.

Facilities - prospective students were given a virtual tour

Although the coronavirus pandemic and government guidelines which have followed has delayed its official opening date, Ms O’Donoghue is looking forward to being able to open the Centre for Digital Technologies’ doors for the first time.

She added: “We were extremely excited to finally show off our new digital centre in Basildon.

“It’s been a long journey but local young people will soon be able to benefit from the excellent facilities on offer.

“Students learning here will make up the technology workforce of the future.”

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Up to 1,000 students from across south Essex will be taught on the campus and Gavin Callaghan, leader of Basildon Council, believes those who choose to study at the Centre for Digital Technologies will have a bright future ahead of them.

He said: “It’s great to see that the state-of-the-art digital and technology campus in the heart of our town centre is ready to welcome students once restrictions allow.

“The college offers courses that will complement the skills gap we have in Basildon and equip our young people so they can seize opportunities for work on their own doorstep.”