College expands into former university campus

A college is refurbishing a former university campus to meet rising demand from prospective students.

The 37,000 sq ft (3,430 sq m) former University of Gloucestershire Hardwick campus will soon become Gloucestershire College's second site in Cheltenham.

It is hoped the new campus will welcome students and staff in the autumn of 2026, with an initial focus on construction and entry-level First Steps programmes.

Matthew Burgess, Gloucestershire College principal and chief executive, said the curriculum would help young people "explore future study or career options in a friendly and flexible environment".

Burgess said the tailored programmes would support English, maths and digital skills while also helping young people "build confidence".

"We are confident that this investment will deliver tangible benefits for local young people," Burgess said.

"This expanded provision will help more Cheltenham residents overcome barriers, reengage with learning, and progress into positive, sustainable destinations."

The college said by redeveloping the Hardwick site, which is a 10-minute walk from the city centre, it was reducing the need for young people to travel further to access the right course.

Gloucestershire County Council's One Plan for children and young people 2024–2030 emphasised the need to improve "access, transition, inclusion and progression" for 16–25 year olds.

Luke Freeman, chief executive of the construction company MF Freeman Group, said: "We are now continuing to progress our plans for the remainder of the site so that it can be brought back into beneficial use in its entirety."

Gloucestershire College said it would begin refurbishment works in the coming weeks, alongside recruiting for a range of jobs.

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