Austin-Smith:Lord assisted Bridgwater College in its bid to Government for selection for the Southern Hub of the National College for Nuclear by providing a masterplan for its Cannington campus which included the proposed NCfN teaching centre, a Welfare and Recreation Centre, 100-bed student residence and a Food Innovation Centre. The College’s bid was successful and ASL were appointed to undertake the design and delivery of the flagship NCFN Southern Hub.

The new £10.5m BREEAM excellent rated facility revolutionises the way in which higher level professional and technical training for the nuclear sector is delivered, utilising innovative technology and virtual reality simulators to replicate a nuclear working environment, whether in nuclear new build/operation/decommissioning, defence or medicine. NCFN will help plug the skills gap that exists in the nuclear industry and will further support the UK’s growing nuclear power infrastructure, closely linked to the new nuclear power station at Hinkley point.

Photos provided courtesy of Midas construction and Julian James photography

This has been an exciting and innovative project. The NCfN is destined to play a critical part in the Government’s workforce strategy for nuclear, and as such does not conform to traditional educational designs, which have changed little for centuries. With wi-fi throughout, and advanced simulator technology, this College will completely transform the way in which professional and technical training is delivered.

Rob Firman – Lead Architect, Austin-Smith:Lord