Scarborough draws up Thorpe Park college plans

The developer and masterplanner of the 1m sq ft mixed-use estate to the east of Leeds, is looking to add a 90,000 sq ft educational facility to its roster.

Subject to approval, Delta Academies Trust intends to relocate its sixth form provision at Garforth Academy to the dedicated Thorpe Park college, in order to increase space for its 11-16 age pupils, in response to local needs.

Located at J46 of the M1, the purpose-built college will be built by Willmott Dixon. The wider project team consists of architect AHR, planning consultant Zerum, transport planning consultant Mosodi, cost consultant BWF, engineer Buro Happold, and landscape architect Ares.

Thorpe Park was chosen as the location for the facility due to its combination of strong transport links, access to green space and amenities, proximity to a business community to support student experience and career progression, alongside future housing expansion along the East Leeds Orbital Route.

A new railway station with two platforms big enough to cater to six carriage trains has long been considered for Thorpe Park, and is currently being progressed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Network Rail.

Once complete, the college is expected to offer a broad curriculum covering the spectrum of A Levels, T levels, and V levels, enabling students to progress to either higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.

The proposed college will sit adjacent to Green Park, an area comprising 150 acres of open space currently being formalised by Leeds City Council as a public park, alongside the council’s planned Park Life sports hub, which will include pitches with changing and community facilities.

Thorpe Park’s masterplan sees it grow to more than 2.8m sq ft in total, with the next phase of development comprising business space including city centre quality office space, modern I&L units, hospitality, and leisure, along with a new residential community.

Adam Varley, development director at SGI, said: “Thorpe Park Leeds has always been about long-term placemaking, creating a connected, mixed-use destination that supports inclusive growth across East Leeds.

“Over the last 25 years we’ve delivered over a million square feet of workspace, a thriving retail and leisure offer and new homes, and we’re now progressing the next chapter under our wider vision for the remaining development land.

“Bringing forward a new sixth form college is a significant step in that journey. It strengthens Thorpe Park as an ecosystem, linking education, opportunity and employment, and creates a talent pathway for the 100-plus businesses already based here, as well as those still to come.”

Andy Barnett chief executive at Delta Academies Trust, said: “We are delighted to share more detailed plans of our Post-16 Free School at Thorpe Park in East Leeds. As a high-performing multi-academy trust with a strong track record of delivering exceptional educational outcomes, we recognise the growing need for high-quality post-16 places in the area.

“Our vision is to create a centre of excellence where students can access an ambitious curriculum, outstanding teaching and a rich programme of personal development, enabling them to progress confidently into higher education, apprenticeships and employment.”