Cronton Sixth Form College Idea Centre

Cronton Sixth Form College: Pioneering IDEA Centre

A pioneering development has opened at Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes.  As part of a £9 million investment at the site and the first of its kind in the UK -The Idea Centre is a state-of-the–art building, fitted with the most advanced industry equipment and designed to enable young people to collaborate on projects, in order to develop a multi-skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers.

The Brief

The aim of Cronton Sixth Form College was to create inspiring, cutting-edge educational facilities, with advanced equipment and learning methods that cross pollinate IT, digital, engineering and design skills to meet industrial and technical challenges all under one roof, ensuring every student reach their full potential.

Liaising closely with the key stakeholders of the college and the main contractor, interior specialists Innova Design Group, developed thirteen space efficient rooms to the client’s aspirations in terms of layout, operation and function.

The Solution

Innova completed the installation of the new STEM centre with new IT and computing facilities which will allow students to develop virtual reality environments, an advanced manufacturing workshop and suites specialising in digital and electronic, health and fitness, project management and 3D modelling.

In both Material & Electric laboratories, Innova’s ‘hot corner’ concept was installed.  A flexible learning environment that addresses the need for a working classroom and practical laboratory within the same space.

Hot Corner’s allows for shorter lines of communication and a more collaborative approach to learning, with the furniture designed so that all students face towards the front of the classroom it subsequently increases the level of attention towards the teacher during theoretical lessons.

The Health and Fitness Sports Suite is equipped with a unique circular perimeter benching where collaborative practical sessions can take place, coupled with the latest performance analysis software and a range of advanced fitness equipment, this room will inspire, motivate and develop students in the future.

With adaptable, flexible work spaces throughout the new build, providing opportunity for the teaching staff to revamp the curriculum and train students with extremely marketable skills to progress within the industry, the groundbreaking IDEA Centre will continue to inspire future generations of students for years to come.

“Lesley Martin Wright, from Knowsley Chamber of Commerce said: “I have been absolutely bowled over by what I have seen. “This is modern technology at its best, a cutting edge and leading facility”.