Kingston Maurward College has officially unveiled its new £1.2 million state-of-the-art agri-tech centre today co-financed with funds secured by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the Dorset Growth Deal*1.
The contemporary agri-tech centre took five months to build and positions Kingston Maurward College at the forefront of agricultural training facilities in the region. The purpose built facility comprises an agricultural classroom, an IT suite, a high spec workshop and machinery facilities including a fleet of tractors, a GPS tractor, plough, sprayer and variable rate drill.
Clare Davison, Principal of Kingston Maurward College said:
“The College is extremely grateful and fortunate to have had the support of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership in order to be able to complete this project. Their support in co-financing this project has enabled the College to invest not only in a wonderful new facility, but also in state of the art equipment totalling some £1.2 million. Every year employer and student expectations rise. The College must continue to apply and adopt new science and technological developments in order to carry on thriving and remain relevant to the industries it serves and the students that enrol here. Access to these contemporary facilities and equipment will enable the take up of breakthroughs across nutrition, informatics, remote sensing and low impact agriculture. All of this can be exploited across the rural Dorset economy to help increase productivity.”
Gordon Page, Chairman of the Dorset LEP said:
“This impressive facility will give students invaluable hands-on experience as they look to develop careers in agriculture. Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is committed to supporting the county’s rural strengths and high quality specialist education. This was a priority project for us and we managed to accelerate the project start and delivery date. We’re delighted to have secured £900,000 to co-fund Kingston Maurward College’s agri-tech centre that will benefit hundreds of students now and in the years to come.”
