Milestone marked as Ron Dearing UTC takes shape

It will be equipped with the most advanced technology, creating a unique educational learning hub for hundreds of students.

Now, 12 months before it opens its doors, the £10 million Ron Dearing University Technical College (UTC) is taking shape in the heart of Hull.

Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson joined key employer sponsors, partner, councillors and Hull City Council officials on September 30 for a special event which saw them sign the steel framework of the building, leaving a lasting mark on a structure which will be there for generations to come.

Sewell Construction Project Manager Mark Boothby said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working on the Ron Dearing UTC, which is set to revolutionise the face of education in Hull.

“So far we’ve installed the foundations for the building and erected the steel frame. Now, the floors are starting to be put in place before the façade of the building will be wrapped around the structure.”

In a first for Hull, the UTC will specialise in digital technology and mechatronics, with learning opportunities available for up to 600 students aged 14-18.

Principal Sarah Pashley said she was delighted with how the project is progressing.

She said: “To see the progress of the building was incredible. It’s hard to believe that, in less than a year, we’ll have our first intake of students who’ll benefit from our state-of-the-art facilities and be working alongside the region’s leading employers.”

The UTC is one of two Sewell Construction projects in the area, with the refurbishment and extension of the Grade II listed Hull New theatre in nearby Kingston Square.

Mark added: “To be involved in the transformation of Kingston Square is something we are really proud of.

“The area has a lot of history and has been through a lot of change over the years.

“What we are doing now is changing the local area again for the better, but we also want to show people we understand, appreciate and respect that history.”

Funded by the Education Funding Agency (EFA), the UTC is backed by Spencer Group, Siemens, Reckitt Benckiser, Smith and Nephew, KCOM and the University of Hull.

To see more of the development, click the image below to view a 360° image of the site.