“A new beginning for the community”: Haverhill set to open new skills and education centre

A new centre to boost adult learning and skills is set to open in Haverhill High Street early next month, following a £2 million capital investment by West Suffolk Council.

West Suffolk College, part of Eastern Education Group (EEG), will complete the phased opening of its Personal and Professional Learning centre at Provincial House on November 4.

The council’s investment helps deliver its own strategic priority for sustainable growth by supporting the development of adult skills and education and bringing extra footfall to the high street.

The money, which has been used to remodel the building and make improvements including to accessibility, will also help the council attract other tenants and businesses, and creates annual income to support the cost of day-to-day council services.

On Wednesday, some of the adult learners who have signed up for ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages) were among those shown around Provincial House, including the college’s impressive new facilities and interactive technology.

Funda Kaya, viewed the class where she will be having her English lessons from next month and said: “This is a really good space to learn in.”

Another ESOL adult learner, Michal Kamieniak said: “I’m really happy, the class looks really good and is bigger than the room we have been using.”

Other subjects on offer include maths, English, digital and computer skills, business courses, creative arts, and a range of leisure learning options such as floristry, dressmaking, and Christmas crafts.

The new centre will also provide learners with exclusive access to Eastern Education Group’s other sites, including its state-of-the-art XR Lab in Bury St Edmunds which uses cutting edge immersive technology to teach through virtual, augmented and mixed reality.

Centre manager, Elaine Simmons, said: “It’s about making sure we give people the opportunity to become the best version of themselves for whatever reason they may want that; whether it’s for work, for helping their family, or just to feel better about themselves.

“This is going to be a new beginning for us, it’s going to be a new beginning for so many people in the community, and we are very excited to be part of that.”

Indy Wijenayaka, West Suffolk’s cabinet member for Growth, said: “It is fantastic to see and hear the excitement and enthusiasm from people that will be using the new centre to develop their education and skills.

“Our collaboration with the college will support adults to learn, building their confidence and self-esteem. As well as their personal growth, it will also support them in new skills and career ambitions, which is part of the council’s strategic priority for sustainable growth.

“The exciting opportunities here in Haverhill and across its other sites including the XR Lab, offer a chance for people to revolutionise their learning today, so they have the skills for tomorrow.

“And by bringing all this to Haverhill High Street, we are also creating more footfall for existing businesses to capitalise and benefit from, as well as encouraging new business growth including start-ups as part of a regeneration of the town centre.” 

Deborah Barton, assistant principal of Personal and Professional Learning at the group, emphasised that the new centre will not only offer valuable training opportunities for businesses and the local community, but will also have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.

“Creating a space where people can connect, explore their creativity, make new friends, and learn something new will have a tremendously positive effect on mental health,” said Deborah.

“More importantly, they will benefit from lifelong learning, developing their skills and improving their chances of going further in their careers or starting new careers altogether.

“Returning to education as an adult is about much more than gaining a qualification; it’s about the personal growth that comes with the learning experience. It builds confidence, raises aspirations, and inspires people to achieve greater things, all while equipping them with the qualifications, skills and knowledge to pursue new opportunities.”

The college has taken on the ground floor, which opened in August, as well part of the second floor of Provincial House which opens early next month.

The council is also speaking to another prospective public sector tenant about taking on the remainder of the second floor.

Original tenants AXA Insurance occupy the first floor while the third floor is being marketed.

The new centre will be hosting an open event on Thursday, January 23, which will give people the opportunity to look around and learn more about what’s on offer.

For those looking to boost their career prospects, gain new knowledge, and enhance life skills, please visit www.wsc.ac.uk/find-a-course/adult-and-community-learning/haverhill for more information.