£9 million Cradley Heath Skills Campus officially opens as part of wider town regeneration
The £9 million Cradley Heath Skills Campus is now officially open, marking a major milestone in the regeneration of Cradley Heath and a significant investment in future skills, jobs and opportunities for the local community.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges welcomed guests to the launch event, which included a formal ribbon cutting ceremony for one of the region’s most exciting new developments.
Delivered as part of the Rowley Regis Towns Fund programme, the three-storey multi-purpose campus is the newest addition to Sandwell Colleges Group and has been purpose-built to tackle local skills shortages across Cradley Heath and the wider region.
Constructed by Speller Metcalfe under the PAGABO framework, the building reflects the contractor’s expertise in delivering high-quality educational environments, offering modern, flexible spaces designed around the needs of learners, employers and the broader community.
The campus provides purpose-built classrooms alongside specialist practical spaces focused on digital skills, construction and trades, and health and social care. A central lightwell brings natural light throughout the building, complemented by floor‑to‑ceiling windows that create a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
Externally, the facility stands out with high-quality brickwork and brass detailing, giving the campus a bold contemporary identity. Internally, beech panelling creates a warm, durable and professional learning environment.
Practical zones include dedicated construction and trade workshops, a digital suite and a simulated care environment that mirrors real working conditions. Collectively, these spaces will support the development of a strong pipeline of skilled local talent to meet employer demand in key growth sectors.
The campus will primarily support 18–24-year-olds preparing to enter the workforce, while also providing opportunities for adults looking to upskill, retrain or pursue a career change. With provision for learners with additional needs, the campus strengthens the pathway between further and higher education, helping more people progress into employment and further training.
A welcoming community café on the ground floor is now open to the public, offering a space for local residents to meet, access information and explore future education and employment opportunities.
Rob Lashford, regional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “We are proud to see the Cradley Heath Skills Campus officially open. This project represents a significant investment in both people and place, and we are pleased to have delivered a high-quality facility that will support skills development, regeneration and future employment opportunities for the local community.”
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and principal at Sandwell Colleges Group added: “We are absolutely delighted to open our new Cradley Heath Skills Campus. Located in the heart of Cradley Heath, this outstanding new facility creates a truly unique space where members of the community can upskill, reskill and take the next step in their careers, or simply learn something new. By collaborating with local employers and community agencies we will fill skills gaps and provide a pipeline of skilled individuals to move into local jobs such as healthcare, construction and digital as well as providing opportunities for higher level skills programmes.
“Designed to the highest standards, the campus provides a calm, professional adult learning environment that supports focus, ambition and success, and reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality education and training for the local community.”
The Cradley Heath Skills Campus forms part of a wider programme of investment in the town, including the new Haden Hill Leisure Centre, currently under construction by Speller Metcalfe, further enhancing local facilities and opportunities.
