Lord-Lieutenant opens new Turvey Building

Solihull Sixth Form College celebrates the opening of new sustainable building with a visit from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE.

Solihull Sixth Form College proudly unveiled its brand-new state-of-the-art building, on Monday 6th January. This landmark addition is a key milestone in the College’s ambitious expansion plans, enabling it to welcome 400 new learners.

To celebrate the launch of the Turvey Building (named after Malcolm Turvey, who taught at the educational establishment for his entire 44-year career) the College held an official opening ceremony and welcomed a visit from the His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE.

Solihull Sixth Form College enlisted the help of award-winning TG Escapes to design and build the new facilities. TG Escapes are renowned for their bespoke method of modular construction. Their developments are sustainable, inspirational and built around biophilic design principles, which benefit mental health and overall well-being.

The Turvey Building was funded via a grant from the Department of Education and investment from the Summit Learning Trust. The space, which was completed in seven months, has been constructed to house A-Level Psychology, the largest department in the College.  It accommodates eight new classrooms that promise to enrich the learning environment of their students. There is also new office space, storage and toilets.

The bespoke building has been meticulously designed to achieve net-zero in operation, reflecting the College's commitment to sustainability and the Summit Learning Trust’s West Midlands Lieutenancy ‘Tread Lightly’ initiative.

Prioritising energy efficiency, the building incorporates advanced sustainable technologies, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting, solar panels, and a natural ventilation system. Additionally, the strategic integration of full-height, floor-to-ceiling windows enhances the interior environment by maximising natural light, fostering a bright and welcoming atmosphere for students and staff throughout the day.

TG Escapes predominantly focus on the education sector. They use a method of modular construction that creates a cost-effective permanent structure faster, with less disruption than traditional construction, ensuring educational continuity for staff and students.

Clive Hicks, Project Manager at TG Escapes said:

“It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Solihull Sixth Form College on this project. We‘re committed to providing students and staff with a positive environment where all can thrive. This has been achieved on this project through sustainable design decisions and material choices. Those who use the Turvey Building will be exposed to the natural elements - high levels of natural light and ventilation - a great boost for all to enjoy!”

Solihull Sixth Form College Principal Dr Martin Sullivan said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have expanded the campus with such a modern, spacious and sustainable new building. It means we can look forward to welcoming even more local young people through our doors next year. I am grateful to Summit Learning Trust for helping to fund the Turvey building and I know they are as focused as we are on providing a top-quality education to learners that helps them to identify their goals and achieve their potential.”

Steve Smith, Estates and Facilities Director at the Summit Learning Trust, commented:

“This new building is a testament to Summit’s commitment to sustainability, which goes hand in hand with providing the best facilities for our learners. We know children learn better when in the right environment, and I’m confident that with new amazing facilities like the Turvey Building we will see Solihull Sixth Form College continue to go from strength to strength.”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE said:

“The new facility represents a major commitment to innovation and sustainability as well as a stunning environment in which to learn. His Majesty takes a keen interest in sustainable developments in the face of climate change and for that reason I am honoured to be part of the opening ceremony and to support the initiative taken by the college.”

7 January 2025