The striking new Advanced Technology Centre at Blackpool and The Fylde College has been named as one of the best building projects in the northwest.



Having already secured a Blackpool Civic Trust award earlier this year, the cutting-edge centre made it to the final of the prestigious Local Authority Building Control (LABC) regional awards.

Innovative design and construction techniques, energy efficient materials and sound project teamwork were just a few of the criteria needed to be shortlisted for the Best Educational Building, and although the category was won by the University of Liverpool, the centre was awarded a highly commended certificate ahead of the other shortlisted projects.

The College has also learned that it will receive an International Green Apple Award for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage later this year.

Built by the John Turner Construction Group and opened in September 2015, the ATC is a pioneering learning environment created to produce highly skilled engineers.

Facilities include industry-standard technology, automotive workshops designed in line with the likes of AUDI, BMW and Porsche, a dyno facility, engine test cells for aerospace and engineering programmes, plus the latest computer aided design studio.

The building itself has been designed to be distinctive and yet reflect its campus surroundings, the ATC has strong geometrical elevations that appear to be cut from a template, resulting in a precision-engineered façade.

This is also a highly energy-efficient building with renewable technologies such as solar panels to help reduce the College’s carbon footprint, while sustainable materials were used throughout the construction.

John Pye, Director of Capital Projects at B&FC, said:

“We knew the ATC was something special, both inside and out, but to have that recognised at regional level is a great achievement. We are determined to create a centre of excellence for advanced engineering, technology and energy solutions, so it’s fitting that we also have a building that reflects such high standards.”

John Clarke, Managing Director of John Turner Construction Group Ltd, added:

“We are delighted that the ATC has made it to the finals of the LABC awards and won a Green Apple Award after having secured a Blackpool Civic Trust award earlier this year. We are very proud to have constructed this high profile building and to have closely involved many of the College students throughout the build period.’’