Capel Manor College Opens New Maple and Willow Buildings – and we are Just Getting Started!
We are thrilled to announce the completion of the first phase of our ‘Unlocking Potential’ project at Capel Manor College! Our brand-new Maple and Willow buildings at the Mottingham campus officially opened on Monday 4 November, creating incredible new spaces for learning and collaboration. These buildings are all about helping students grow their skills in land-based fields and they are built with the environment in mind.
Paul Smith, our Deputy Principal and COO, sums it up best: “These buildings exemplify our commitment to creating learning environments that inspire and empower our students to drive positive environmental change. This is a moment of pride for our community as we welcome future leaders in land-based industries.”
What’s New on Campus?
The Maple building is purpose-built for hands-on learning, with labs and classrooms designed for students to dive into everything from conservation to animal care. Over in the Willow building, we have fully equipped classrooms, meeting rooms, a welcoming reception area and a new exotics room to support students exploring the world of exotic animals.
Sustainability is at the heart of it all. Both buildings use air source heat pumps, natural ventilation and the Willow building is topped with a green roof full of solar panels. These features are expected to save up to 70% in energy use, just one of the ways we are committed to making Capel Manor College greener every day.
A Big Thanks to Our Supporters
This project could not have happened without the fantastic support of the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Department for Education’s T Levels capital fund.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, said: “The completion of phase I of this project is a significant milestone for green skills in London. These new facilities will be vital in helping Londoners get the skills they need for good green jobs and support the Mayor’s vision for a net-zero city. The Mayor and I are proud that this transformative project will empower young people and adults across our city, as we continue to build a greener and fairer city for all.”
With £6m funding from the GLA and our own substantial contributions, we are investing in the future of green education right here in London. And with Phase II of the project already being planned, we are excited to keep building partnerships with local businesses and communities to bring green skills and opportunities to even more students.
