August 29 2014.


Building works for UTC@harbourside, the new university technical college for Sussex, which opens in Newhaven in September 2015, started yesterday.

Plans were approved by Lewes District Council Planning Committee in July to convert and extend the Grade II listed marine workshop and carpenters workshops at Railway Quay, Newhaven, and demolish other buildings to create the state-of-the-art college. There will also be a riverside boardwalk alongside the UTC.

Parents and students will have a first chance to meet the UTC’s newly appointed Principal, Jon Clarke, and hear more about the college at an event being held at Veolia’s Energy Recovery Facility in North Quay Rd, Newhaven on Wednesday the 3rd of September from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Jon Clarke said: “This is the first of many events taking place across Sussex where parents and young people can meet me and the team behind the UTC to ask questions and find out more about our exciting new college.”

“We will be offering an outstanding academic and technical education for 14 to 18 year olds interested in science, engineering, technology and maths. Focusing on the specialist skills in demand by the growing marine engineering and environmental technology sectors, the involvement of employers will help our students develop entrepreneurial and employability skills which will make them stand out in today’s competitive jobs market.

“I’m really looking forward to talking to students and parents about the great GCSE, A Level and technical qualifications we’ll be offering in our inspiring setting, just two minutes from Newhaven Town railway station.”

Veolia’s Wonder Day event will also feature guided tours of its facility and plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discover more about waste and recycling. Places are limited and booking is essential through www.veoliaenvironmentalservices.co.uk /southdowns or by calling 01273 544205.

Applications are now open for students from across Sussex interested in joining the UTC in years 10 and 12 in September 2015. More information can be found at www.utc-harbourside.org