Calderdale College does Dean Clough deal
Halifax’s 22-acre business and leisure destination is to provide a further 12,800 sq ft to the education provider, which is expanding its digital skills hub.
Agreeing a five-year lease, the college has taken 12,835 sq ft following a £700,000 government funding boost.
The new skills hub, Mill Studios, will serve students aged 16+ with high-tech facilities for studies in film and TV production, design and editing, esports and games design. The centre will also include collaborative space for events, exhibitions and engagement with employers.
Calderdale College already occupies 2,344 sq ft of space at Dean Clough for its creative arts foundation and BA degree courses.
Students benefit from engaging with practicing artists through the college’s partnership with Dean Clough Galleries and Arts Charity and have their work displayed in the renowned Crossley Gallery.
David Malone, principal and chief executive at Calderdale College, said:
“We are delighted to expand our facility at Dean Clough after a long standing and successful partnership. Our students benefit tremendously from the vibrant and captivating community at Dean Clough which is one of the most celebrated heritage and cultural sites here in Calderdale.
“The community at Dean Clough has really helped us to enhance our provision for students. Mill Studios , delivering a digital creative hub that will transform learning in this sector, and bring new courses to Calderdale along with cutting-edge facilities in the most engaging environment.”
Mill Studios, which is due to launch ahead of the next academic year, has been funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund.
Other education providers at Dean Clough include neurodiverse student training centre, Pinc College and the Chef Benson Smith hospitality and catering apprentice training academy.
Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director of Dean Clough, said:
“We are thrilled that Calderdale College has chosen to expand its educational facilities here at Dean Clough and excited to be involved with Calderdale’s progress as a cultural centre for creative production. Indeed, our region is fast becoming recognised as the ‘Hollywood of the North’ and Dean Clough has been host to many high-profile TV and film productions already.”
Dean Clough is home to 150+ businesses, with more than 100,000 sq ft let in the last 15 months.