One year to go as state-of-the-art college campus takes shape in Durham

The countdown is on for the opening of a state-of-the-art college designed to train students for some of the region’s fastest-growing industries.

East Durham College’s Houghall Campus is being transformed into a centre for land-based, environmental and sustainability education.

With the upgraded campus due to open to students in September 2027, new aerial shots and footage have been released to show the progress, with construction on track for completion in April 2027

The redevelopment will transform East Durham College’s Houghall Campus into a modern and industry led centre for land-based, environmental and sustainability education, providing students with specialist facilities designed around the needs of industry and the workforce of the future.

Enabling works began in October 2025, followed by construction of the new building in January 2026.

Delivered by Tilbury Douglas on behalf of the Department for Education, the project will create a sustainable learning environment combining specialist teaching facilities, digital learning spaces and dedicated areas for practical and outdoor learning.

Scott Bullock, Principal and CEO of East Durham College, said:“Exceptional facilities make a real difference to a student’s experience, the environment in which they learn inspires ambition, raises expectations and gives students the confidence to succeed.

That is why the investment in Houghall Campus is so important, we are creating an exceptional learning environment where students can develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work.

When our first students arrive in September 2027, they will have the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art facilities designed around the industries they are preparing to enter.”

The new campus will strengthen the college’s provision across agriculture, horticulture, environmental management, animal care and the wider land-based sector, helping meet growing demand for skills linked to sustainable food production, environmental stewardship and the green economy.

The college has recently been recognised as one of the country’s leading apprenticeship providers, achieving a 75% apprenticeship achievement rate, significantly above the national average of 65.7%.

It’s also celebrating a high volume of T Level distinctions among its 2026 cohort, following the release of student results this summer.

Helen McCoy, Campus Principal, Houghall Campus said: “Our recent apprenticeship and T Level successes demonstrate the strength of the education and training we are providing across the College. Houghall Campus will build on that success, giving students an outstanding environment in which to develop the skills and experience employers need.W

“With one year to go, seeing Houghall Campus take shape is incredibly exciting. This is about creating opportunities for the next generation and ensuring our region has the skilled people it needs to support future growth.”