It’s one of the new additions that’s helped changed the face of Sheepfolds.

A Sunderland college which gave new life to a 130-year-old former railway engine shed, as well as extending the site, has been named Public Sector Project of the Year at a prestigious national awards.

The college has helped in the revival of the Sheepfolds area | Submitted

placeholder image — The college has helped in the revival of the Sheepfolds area | Submitted

HICSA, which stands for The Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy, trains future housebuilders at its Sheepfolds site opposite the Stadium of Light.

And, fittingly, it’s been hailed for its own architecture at the national RICS awards (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).

The prestigious awards, hosted by writer and historian Tom Dyckhoff, was held at the Park Plaza London this week, celebrating the UK’s most inspirational built projects that are having a significant positive impact on the communities they serve.

HICSA teaches housebuilders of the future | Submitted

Conceived to transform the way we think about, design, and construct buildings using modern methods, HICSA has been praised for leading the way in positioning Sunderland at the forefront of the region’s construction industry.

The building is a part retrofit of an existing 130-year-old railway engine shed and part new build, featuring a glulam structure with a high insulation and airtight fabric.

One of 10 Construction Technical Excellence Colleges (CTEC) in England named by the Department of Education, it hosts classrooms and large-scale workshops.

The building transformed an old Victorian railway engine shed | Submitted

Commenting on the winning project, the judges said: “The Housing Innovation and Construction Skills Academy (HICSA) showcases the transformative impact of public sector investment, sensitively turning a derelict Victorian railway goods shed into a nationally recognised centre for construction excellence.

“As one of only ten Construction Technical Excellence Colleges in England, it combines heritage regeneration with innovative, employer-led education. The academy delivers outstanding outcomes, including 94% student satisfaction, a 98% positive destination rate, and 74% of learners coming from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“High environmental standards, strong social value and significant economic impact, underpinned by collaborative delivery, have created a lasting asset for Sunderland and the wider region.”