Breaking Ground at a Groundbreaking Place
The official launch of our exciting new chapter at our Houghall campus has begun!
In our commitment to supporting the North East rural economy and green skills agenda, the new development, led by contractor Tilbury Douglas, will cement Houghall as a centre of excellence for land-based, environmental and sustainability skills.
The project officially began on November 7, when Mary Foy MP joined College leaders, as well as other representatives and students, for a ceremony to mark the beginning of construction.
Mary Foy MP said: “The Houghall Campus has a proud history of providing high-quality land-based education, and this new development will ensure it continues to do so for generations to come.”
Scott Bullock, Principal and Chief Executive of East Durham College, added: “This exciting new phase at Houghall will transform the way we deliver education and training for our region’s land-based industries. It will provide cutting-edge facilities for our students and staff and help address the growing demand for skills in areas such as agriculture, animal care, horticulture, and environmental management.”
The new development will include specialist teaching and practical learning, digital learning labs and industry standard workshops, which have been designed to replicate rural workplaces. This will allow students to learn with the latest technology and sustainable practices, ready for their next steps into the industry.
As one of the North East's few land-based colleges, Houghall plays a crucial role in advancing the region's green and rural skills agenda. The campus develops expertise across key sectors including agriculture, animal management, arboriculture, horticulture and conservation. It also provides accessible, high-quality training opportunities for rural communities and works closely with employers and environmental organisations to deliver industry-led programmes to meet evolving needs.
The Houghall Campus redevelopment marks the latest milestone in East Durham College’s mission to provide inspirational learning environments and to ensure the North East has the skilled workforce it needs to grow sustainably.
Find out more about the new development.
