Loughborough College has long been recognised for delivering high-quality technical and vocational education across the region. As part of its commitment to preparing learners for emerging careers in a rapidly changing world, the College developed a new Digital Skills Hub to provide industry-relevant training in areas such as computing, media, cyber security and digital technologies.

Teaching has already begun in this impressive facility, which plays an active role in the College’s ambition to strengthen digital learning pathways. Delivered using the ZONE Design. Build methodology, the project demonstrates how ZONE provides fast, cost-effective and architecturally striking facilities for the education sector.

The Hub is one of several major campus developments forming part of Loughborough College Group’s ongoing £55 million investment in facilities. It supports a mission to broaden horizons, transform lives and shape futures across Leicestershire. Alongside projects such as the East Midlands Institute of Technology and the Agri-Tech Centre, the Digital Skills Hub strengthens the Group’s commitment to innovation, industry partnership and inclusive opportunity.

ZONE Design. Build were thrilled to be part of this exciting journey, having worked with the College previously on the impressive 1909 Lounge project, where a great professional relationship was established, based on mutually high expectations.

The Brief

With demand for digital and technical skills increasing, Loughborough College required a modern specialist facility that could support the expansion of its digital curriculum and provide flexible, future-focused teaching spaces.

The brief called for a single-storey, multi-use building, delivered at speed through the ZONE Design. Build methodology to meet curriculum pressures and support local skills development. It was important that the finished product should enhance the student experience and offer a professional environment aligned with industry expectations.

The Digital Skills Hub forms an important part of the College’s strategy to broaden access to high-value courses and help more young people and adults progress into careers in digital and creative sectors.

The Site

The new facility sits prominently within the Loughborough College campus and has been designed to integrate with the existing estate while providing a distinct identity for digital learning. The site team coordinated closely with the College to ensure construction progressed smoothly during term time, with careful planning to minimise disruption to teaching and campus operations.

Delivered through the ZONE Design. Build methodology, the project followed a fast-track, precision-led programme with building components manufactured off-site and assembled on campus. This approach gave the College certainty on the programme, reduced site disruption and allowed the structure to be completed to a high standard within a short timeframe.

Using ZONE Design. Build enabled the College to avoid the dimensional constraints and delivery limitations associated with volumetric modular buildings while maintaining faster and more predictable outcomes than traditional construction.

Groundworks included the installation of a hollowcore concrete floor slab supplied by FP McCann, engineered to raise the internal floor level above existing ground conditions due to the site’s flood zone 3 designation. This ensured full compliance with site-specific constraints while maintaining a seamless interface with adjoining campus routes.

As the structural frame progressed, the envelope followed quickly, with roof installation completed early to bring the internal space into the dry. Curtain walling and cladding then established the signature ZONE Design. Build glazed aesthetic and maximised natural daylighting. Final external works were completed shortly before the opening, creating a high-quality arrival sequence and outdoor environment that complements the Hub.

The Solution

The Digital Skills Hub provides approximately 440m² of internal space, delivering six modern classrooms and associated facilities. These include specialist computing rooms, flexible teaching spaces and supporting areas that allow staff to tailor layouts and delivery around different subjects and modes of learning.

Designed using the ZONE design form, the building incorporates extensive full-height glazing, a vaulted interior feel and generous ceiling heights, creating a bright and spacious environment that supports concentration and wellbeing. This design language contrasts positively with typical classroom environments and reflects the modern workplaces that learners will progress into.

Integrated data infrastructure ensures that the facility can support evolving hardware, software and networking requirements as the digital curriculum develops. The internal layout has been planned to promote collaboration, problem solving and hands-on learning, mirroring contemporary industry practice.

Throughout the design and build process, close collaboration between the College, Thornton-Firkin LLP and Streetspace ensured that the final solution aligned fully with teaching needs and operational priorities.

Collaboration and Delivery

The official opening took place in November 2025, with staff already teaching in the building ahead of the event. The positive feedback from the client team has been especially rewarding and what’s more, the clear impact the building is already having on learners engaged in the College’s digital skills initiative, is extremely evident.

ZONE Design. Build’s project delivery team played a key role in the successful outcome of the scheme. An outstanding onsite team delivered the build to a high standard and maintained excellent communication throughout, ensuring that the tight programme was achieved and the final environment exceeded expectations.

External works were completed with the support of Glympton Construction, whose expert contribution helped ensure the completed area met the high quality required for a key campus gateway.

Outcome

The Digital Skills Hub provides Loughborough College with an inspiring, industry-aligned environment that strengthens its digital education offer and supports the region’s long-term skills needs. The facility gives learners access to modern, flexible spaces where they can develop the technical and creative capabilities demanded by employers. It creates new opportunities for collaboration between the College, local industry partners and the wider community.

With teaching already taking place and students settling into the new environment, the Digital Skills Hub is delivering immediate value. It marks a significant milestone in the College’s ambition to expand digital learning, broaden participation and prepare learners for successful futures in growth sectors.

The Digital Skills Hub stands as an example of what can be achieved through coordinated delivery, strong partnerships and a shared vision for education that meets the needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s industries.