City College Norwich – Advanced Construction Engineering Centre

LSI Architects worked with City College Norwich and MJS Projects to transform a group of existing motor vehicle and engineering workshops; This fast-paced summer works refurbishment project created new teaching and learning facilities within the Blakeney Building on the Ipswich Road Campus.

Engineering students at CCN also now have access to a new advanced engineering workshop, fitted with three HAAS mills and two lathes.  Alongside this specialist equipment, students will be able to hone their skills in computer aided design (CAD), using a new programming suite that will be home to 20 high-spec PCs and a 3D printer.

A new electric motor vehicle workshop is equipped with the latest diagnostic and repair machinery for electric and hybrid vehicles, along with charging points and repair equipment, including a wheel balancer, tyre-filling machine, pillar drill, and bench grinder.

Internally a creative-industry atmosphere has been created with exposed services, raw finishes, and contemporary colour scheme. As part of the refurbishment works the existing building was re-clad in a white corrugated metal sheet, several new large, glazed openings were created to provide both natural daylight and generous views into the workshops. The metal cladding also works to provide a better visual connection with the college’s Digi-Tech Factory.

The Advanced Construction and Engineering (ACE) Centre will help ensure that students’ learning keeps pace with new technologies for a low- carbon future.

The development of the ACE Centre was made possible thanks to £3.1m funding from the Norwich Town Deal.