An ambitious vision to create a brand-new learning campus in the heart of Thetford has been unveiled by West Suffolk College – part of Eastern Education Group – and Breckland Council.
CGI artist impression of proposed Thetford campus Image: ©Breckland District Council
The multi-use community hub would bring education, training and community facilities to Thetford, helping to tackle challenges that many young people and adults in the area face.
A study carried out in 2019 by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government found that parts of Thetford were in the top 20% most deprived in England for education, skills and training. Currently, Thetford learners must travel to Bury St Edmunds or Norwich for most post-16 courses, which can create barriers to entry, particularly for those from low-income households.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for Thetford,” said Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group. “By bringing more hands-on vocational training into the heart of Thetford, we can help create a stronger workforce, drive higher levels of employment, and deliver a meaningful boost to the local economy.”
Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, said: “This project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape Thetford’s town centre and invest in the futures of the town’s residents. This type of facility has been long overdue in Thetford and will provide young people the opportunity to access valuable skills without the need to travel long distances.”
The plans are being backed by the Thetford Neighbourhood Board, also known as forThetford, who have agreed to help fund planning work, designs, surveys of potential sites, and a full cost analysis. The board’s Chairman, Jo Pearson, said: “This is fantastic news for Thetford that really delivers what the people of Thetford have told us they want: regeneration in our town centre and investment in education and skills. I look forward to seeing this initiative develop and seeing how the forThetford programme can support it.”
MP for South West Norfolk, Terry Jermy, added: “I am delighted the Government’s Pride in Place funding is helping to make this project happen. I am determined to unlock Thetford’s potential, and a new lifelong learning campus is a key part of that plan. As Thetford’s MP, I was pleased to support this funding request and will continue to call on the Government to further invest in the town to help make this vision a reality.”
Once the initial planning work and cost analysis are complete, the partners will review the best way to secure the necessary funding to deliver the project, including seeking national investment.
