Contractors clear the way for new campus

Published 24 Feb 2010 10:35 0 Comments

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The Alloa Centre has been demolished to make way for the new Forth Valley College Campus.

A community college for the 21st century is now one step closer with contractors moving on to the site of Forth Valley College's new campus in Alloa.

The £21 million campus will take pride of place in Hillcrest Drive just off Clackmannan Road.

The state-of-the-art building will transform the landscape of the town centre and play an important role in the regeneration of the Clackmannanshire area.

The arrival of main conractor Miller Construction signifies a key milestone in the creation of the campus, which is due to open in August 2011.

It's now all systems go with preparatory work currently being undertaken before construction commences later this year.

The college's transformation is set to be impressive. Reiach and Hall Architects have designed a striking, fit-for-purpose building which aims to take full advantage of the stunning scenery Clackmannanshire has to offer.

In addition, extended facilities and resources will enable the college to increase learning opportunities currently available in the area.

Gail Fertacz, associate principal for the Alloa Campus, is excited to see the project moving forward.

She said, "It's fantastic to see the build begin to take shape and with Miller Construction now on-site things are going to progress very quickly.

"It's wonderful to think that by next year we will have a new campus in place which will benefit not only our learners but a whole range of other groups in the community and beyond.

"So far feedback from the community has been very positive about the new campus and what it will be able to offer them.

"As well as being able to provide increased course and training opportunities, we will also be able to offer the general public access to many of our facilities.

"We have also been in contact with a range of community groups to explore ways in which we can benefit them.

"As part of this we are working in partnership with community consultation experts 'Streets-UK' to look at possible ways to support the social, personal and economic development of the local area."

The college is also keen to ensure the new campus is environmentally friendly. The architects have embedded a range of design features which will ensure the building is energy efficient.

A green travel plan will also be implemented with the college encouraging staff and students to cycle or travel by public transport.

The new campus will support this with increased bus access and bicycle storage space.

Gail said the college wanted to engage with local residents as much as possible to ensure the construction of the campus is a smooth process for everyone.

She sontinued, "Our aim is to be good neighbours and we would encourage those in the local community with any suggestions or concerns to get in touch with the college.

"We want to keep the lines of communication open and are happy to answer any questions local residents may have.

"We have already taken action in regards to concerns over parking both during and after the construction phase.

"We have been consulting with local organisations in regards to using their car parks and Miller Construction is also actively encouraging their site personnel to make use of town centre parking facilities available.

"The new campus has also been designed to maximize the number of car parking spaces planning regulations will allow.

"Whatever the nature of the query, we are open to discussion and look forward to working with the local community over the coming months."

Miller Construction says it is also keen to ensure building work has minimum impact on the local community.

As members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, it insists every effort will be made to ensure this flagship project for the community excels not only on site performance but also in consideration for the local environment.

Miller's senior project manager John Downey said, "Work on the site is in line with our programme, and we are looking forward to delivering what will be an inspiring and state-of-the-art campus for Alloa."

Preparation of the site for the new campus has included the demolition of the former Alloa Centre, which was reduced to a pile of rubble over the course of last week.

The centre had been home to various local groups which have since moved to alternative premises in the town.

The Criminal Justice Service was one of the groups which used the Alloa Centre. Sheriff David Mackie officially opened its new premises at Glebe Hall, Burgh Mews, on Tuesday.

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