Bishop Laney Sixth Form Completes £5M New Sixth Form Centre in Ely

Bishop Laney Sixth Form, affiliated with Ely College and part of Meridian Trust, recently celebrated the completion of its new £5 million Sixth Form Centre located in the rejuvenated Needham Tower block.
This significant achievement follows a successful planning application made two years ago and a substantial investment supported by the Department for Education. The completion of this state-of-the-art centre marks a momentous occasion for Bishop Laney Sixth Form and the broader East Cambridgeshire community, addressing the rising need for post-16 education opportunities in the area. The vision for this modern facility has now been successfully realized after meticulous planning and dedicated funding.
Simon Warburton, Principal of Ely College and Bishop Laney Sixth Form, expressed excitement about this milestone, highlighting the positive impact this new Sixth Form Centre will have on students, staff, and the local community. He emphasized that the center provides an innovative, contemporary space that aligns with the aspirations and potential of the young learners.
The Director of Estates for Meridian Trust, Martin Hair, also lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the transformation of the Needham Tower block. Working in partnership with the Department for Education, The M&J Group, and Peter Smith Associate Architects, the project has successfully revitalized the space, delivering remarkable results that have exceeded expectations. This project serves as a prime example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved through strategic investment and cooperation.
The newly refurbished Needham Tower now stands as a dynamic, eco-friendly, purpose-built center designed with a focus on sustainability. Meeting the zero net carbon targets for energy consumption, the building showcases a commitment to environmental responsibility and forward-thinking design. The state-of-the-art facilities within the Sixth Form Centre include specialized classrooms, areas for independent study, collaborative workspaces, and social hubs. These facilities are carefully curated to provide a high-quality learning environment that nurtures both academic excellence and personal development.
Plans are underway to formally commemorate the opening of the new building with students, staff, and the wider community in the coming autumn term. As anticipation builds for this celebratory event, the Sixth Form Centre looks forward to welcoming students and stakeholders to experience and benefit from the exceptional facilities that have been meticulously crafted to enhance the learning journey.