We are delighted to announce that the official opening of our brand-new residential provision at Portland College took place on Monday last week with the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, cutting the ribbon.
The complete re-development of an old building on Portland’s Mansfield campus, Pines houses 9 modern en-suite bedrooms and 6 independence flats, allowing even more people with disabilities the chance to live, study and thrive.
Designed to nurture both personal growth and environmental responsibility, the facility supports residents in developing vital independence and social skills within a safe, sustainable, and inspiring setting.
Pines has been developed over the last 12 months by repurposing a former residential block that needed a major overhaul. In addition to the extensive building and renovation work, Pines has been built with sustainability in mind and is fitted with an air source heat pump and solar panels. Thanks to the hard work from our contractor Vaughandale and with funding support from Garfield Weston and Bernard Sunley, this innovative, carbon-negative facility marks a major step forward in the College’s commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and preparing learners to live more independent lives.
Mark Dale, CEO of Portland Charity said; “I am delighted that our original priority to re-use an old 1950s building already on campus and turn it into an energy-efficient, zero-carbon facility has come to fruition. We were also able to use all local contractors for the design and build of this project, cementing our dedication to the inclusive growth of the East Midlands.”
The new development provides a welcoming social space as well as modern en-suite bedrooms so more people can benefit from our Ofsted Outstanding college provision. Individuals with a range of needs will access the facilities and so design features such as the rise and fall kitchen worktops will help reduce the barriers to a more independent lifestyle.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I was honoured to open the new accommodation at Portland College. It was wonderful to see first-hand how this space will make a difference in the community. I was hugely impressed by the building’s transformation into Pines and know the fantastic new facilities will be greatly appreciated by the students staying there.
“My vision for the East Midlands is shaped around inclusive growth – tackling inequality and creating new opportunities in every community, so we can build a stronger, more inclusive economy that delivers for everyone, something Portland College has been dedicated to for many years.” We are so proud to be able to offer this fantastic opportunity to more residents in the near future and to continue striving to providing even more life changing opportunities for those with disabilities.