Speller Metcalfe completes £22.5m Institute of Technology in Stafford
The brand-new £22.5 million Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (IoT) has officially opened in Stafford, marking a major investment in skills, education and regeneration for the area.
Delivered by regional contractor Speller Metcalfe and designed by Ellis Williams Architects for Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG), the landmark facility represents one of Staffordshire’s most significant education projects in recent years, combining cutting-edge design with industry-led training to prepare learners for the jobs of the future.
As part of the wider Stafford Station Gateway regeneration project, the Institute has transformed the site of the College’s former construction and skills provision just off Castle Street.
The three-storey building, which spans the size of six tennis courts, now provides striking new architecture, high-quality landscaping and modern outdoor spaces that enhance the area.
Inside, students will benefit from specialist environments including a VR/AR immersive suite, robotics and automation equipment, a mock hospital ward, testing laboratories and an advanced manufacturing learning factory.
Delivered on time and to a high standard, the project – with a contract value of £15.2 million – represents the latest in Speller Metcalfe’s track record of complex education schemes. The contractor worked closely with NSCG and its partners to create a building that supports both learners and local employers.
Rob Lashford, divisional director at Speller Metcalfe, said: “Completing the Institute of Technology is a fantastic achievement for our team and the project partners.
“This has been a complex build, delivered to an exceptional standard, and we are proud to see the facility already making an impact for Stafford and the wider region. It’s a striking addition to the area and a great example of how construction can play a central role in regeneration and long-term investment.”
The IoT is led by NSCG and brings together partners including Keele University, Burton and South Derbyshire College, Axia Solutions, South Staffordshire College and Stoke-on-Trent College.
The project is also backed by leading employers such as Dell, MOOG, Siemens and Hitachi, who have invested over £500,000 in specialist equipment and resources, including demonstration and collaborative robots, as well as a transformer donated by Hitachi Energy.
Georgina Barnard, Vice Principal – IoT, added: “Welcoming our first learners to the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology is an incredibly proud moment. This landmark development represents a unique collaboration between education and industry, ensuring learners across our region have access to world-class facilities, cutting-edge technology and the specialist training needed to thrive in high-demand sectors.”
The IoT will focus on technical training in advanced engineering, manufacturing, construction, digital technologies and health sciences, creating clear career pathways through short courses, higher apprenticeships and degree-level programmes.
