WIREDGOV

Blog posted by: Tony Smithers, 9 November 2017 – Categories:Skills, Socio-economic.

The two colleges, on Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park, welcomed students for the first time this term - but the potential for such a fantastic outcome was far from obvious back in 2005, when we inherited the redundant labs complex next to the former nuclear power station.

For us, at the NDA, it’s a perfect example of us achieving our mission: a site that’s been decommissioned, cleaned up and brought back into full use for the benefit of the whole community.

We’d originally drawn up plans to demolish the labs, workshops, warehouses and offices known as the Berkeley Centre, and had estimated that it would cost around £8 million.

Clear vision

Berkeley Centre had been used to support research for the UK nuclear industry over many decades but gradually fell into disuse as research programmes ended.  By the time the NDA was established, a fair amount of decommissioning and demolitions had already been carried out – mainly on those facilities that had a radiological use.

We were pleased when we began talking to local stakeholders during our consultations about the end of the site.  They had a clear vision and wanted the empty buildings re-used to bring skills and jobs into the local economy.

The vision just grew and grew and everyone we spoke to was extremely excited about the project. It had the support of the regeneration partnerships, local businesses, community groups and, of course, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS) which drove it all forward.

The NDA pushed ahead, ensuring all the outstanding activities were completed to enable the nuclear regulations to be removed, and agreed the lease to SGS on a long-term basis.

Click here for full blog post