New South Essex College Basildon campus opens to students

South Essex College’s brand new Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon Town Centre officially opened to students this week.

Students and staff were treated to a huge Super Mario digital themed cake to welcome them to the campus.

Even though the building has been ready for some months, the college hasn’t been able to officially welcome students on-site because of Covid-19 restrictions. These have now been lifted for education so students are able to learn at the new centre.

Angela O’Donoghue, Principal and Chief Executive at South Essex College, said:

“It’s a brilliant feeling to finally welcome students to the new centre in Basildon. We’ve been waiting a while to show off the fantastic tech facilities and I’m so happy that local students will now get to benefit from this industry-led offer.”

The Centre for Digital Technologies houses state-of-the-art facilities and equipment for students on courses with a tech focus including IT networking, app development, games design and animation. The three-storey project has been built on the previous market site thanks to a partnership between Basildon Council, Homes England and South Essex College.

Areas of the building have been modelled on tech sector offices, giving that innovative ‘Google’ feel to a lot of the open plan spaces. Students will be able to experience working in this kind of modern environment, preparing them to enter the industry.

Chair of Basildon Council’s Economic Development and Recovery Committee Councillor Aidan McGurran said:

“It’s great that the campus is now open and welcoming students into the heart of our town centre. The college offers courses that will complement the skills gap we have in Basildon and equip our young people so they can seize opportunities for work on their own doorstep.

“This is further evidence of how Basildon is bouncing back and we need as many partners like South Essex College as possible – organisations that are willing to invest and help build a modern, ambitious town that can thrive.”

For more information about the new campus and the courses on offer, please visitwww.southessex.ac.uk/new-state-of-the-art-campus-in-basildon

Image: College Principal, Angela O’Donoghue and Steve Bright, Head of Department for Digital Technologies, Media and Performing Arts with students