Our sixth skills training college for Prospects Learning Foundation opened in September 2012. The 3600m2 centre contains skills training space for plumbing and electrical as well as being the first centre in the country for heating, ventilation and refrigeration training. The project completed Prospects Basildon Construction Campus and provides students with a 150 seat restaurant, learning resource centre and flexible break-out study space. With an emphasis on the environment the design has a holistic approach using passive systems to utilise natural daylight as much as possible with light-wells and reflective plains to ensure this extends deep into the floor plans. Natural ventilation systems make use of newly developed phase change material technology to cool the building and manage CO2 levels in teaching spaces. The centre has also been awarded Breeam ‘Very Good’ standard for sustainable design and construction. This project was carried out in 4 phases, starting with the remodelling of a disused plastics factory to form an inspirational Construction & Engineering Skills Training Centre for local young people with space for brickwork & carpentry on the ground floor with training rooms on the first floor for class based teaching. The building was given a striking identity by a new double height façade and corporate reception. Comprising two training halls, class-based teaching spaces, admin offices and student facilities, the whole project was 11 months from brief to practical completion with phase one being open to students in 6 months. Phase 2 involved internal & external re-modelling, refurbishment of a north-light over the main factory floor and some small extensions and alterations to create a new signature building for the college, that contains training for a wide range of engineering based skills and with a clearly defined public entrance. A combination of modern materials and colours were used to uplift the previously rather dreary industrial building in line with the ethos of Prospects College to provide a modern and interesting place for the students to learn. Phase 3 comprised the formation of a new Building Skills Training Centre on the site of a derelict food processing factory. Accommodation includes training for Mechanical and Electrical Services; training rooms; lecture theatre and student welfare facilities. Phase 4 created a Centre of excellence for Environmental Technologies.